HOTEL FIRE AT MARTON.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 69, 14 November 1912, Page 5

HOTEL FIRE AT MARTON.

THE WHITE HART DESTROYED,

ESCAPES AND INJURIES

<Per Press Association.)

A disastrous fire occurred at Marton at three o’clock tills morning, the White Hart Hotel being totally destroyed. The building . was owned by Hatrick and Gibbons, Wanganui, and occupied by H. F. Cameron. Splendid work by the Fire Brigade saved the Town Hall, the White Hart stables, and the assembly rooms. The boarders and the proprietor lost -everything, the only articles saved being a motor cycle belonging to Dalgety and Co. who occupied an office. The offices occupied by Burgess and Co. and the Marton Jockey Club were gutted, but the contents were saved. On© wall of the stables was burnt and tire stock damaged.

There were several miraculous escapes, but a number sustained burns and shock to the systems. Mr H. F. Cameron was severely burned about the face and hands; Evadne Cameron (daughter), burns on the face and hands; J. Mulooley was severely cut. and burned and was removed to the Wanganui Hospital; J. Barr (Horopito), arms and hands burned and suffering from shock; J. H. Carter, severe shaking; and J. Carter, sprained ankle. Most of the accidents were sustained through jumping from the balcony.

Mr Corkill, Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand, escaped in his night attire through tieing sheets to the balcony. Mr R. Scott, contractor for the sewerage works, made a sensational rescue of young Cameron, aged 7, whom he found unconscious on the floor after groping in a bedroom full of smoke.

The insurances on the build'ng were £I2OO in the Alliance; £SOO in the Ocean Accident; £250 in the New Zealand; £SOO in the South British; £250 in the Guardian. The White Hart stable was insured far £SOO in the New Zealand office, and t.be fodder for £135 in the Commercial Un'on. Cameron’s insurances are unavailable.