Fireman Dies from Petrol Burns

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 320, 3 April 1928, Page 18

Fireman Dies from Petrol Burns

LIFE GIVEN FOR DUTY “PUBLIC CHEERED OUR ENEMY” Early last evening Rholda George Beuth, who was severely injured with burning petrol in the early stages of the huge oil fire at Freeman’s Bay. died of his injuries at Auckland Hospital. He bad never shirked a duty. His reputation was that on many occasions he went beyond it. Finally be gave his life for the public, whose servant h e was. Terribly burnt he yet recovered consciousness, and on the first evening was very bright and confident of recovery. Strangely one of the things that he remembered best was the fact that the public watching the fire had cheered when the fire made some unusual burst. “It almost seemed as if they were cheering the fire because it was, beating us,” he remarked to a friend at the hospital. A few moments later he had been struck down together with two of his fellows, and it appeared as though he was to suffer the terrible death of being burned alive in front of the horrified people who were near enough to witness the accident. Those who witnessed the awful happening will never forget it, and those to whom almost his last words are conveyed will' perhaps realise that fire in these circumstances is a ruthless enemy. Mr. Beuth joined the Central Brigade in October, 1926, and held the. position of fire-engine driver throughout his service. He had an excellent record, and was popular with the other members of the brigade as well as with a large circle of friends. He was in the teaching profession prior to October, 1926, was 22 years of age, an only son and lived with his mother and only sister at 4SI New North Road. BRIGADE’S SORROW The Union Jack is flying at halfmast to-day from the watch-tower of the Central Fire Station as a mark of respect to the late Enginedriver R. G. Beuth. The funeral will leave the Central Fire Station at 2 p.m. to-morrow for Waikumete Cemetery. Full brigade honours will be accorded the dead fireman, and representatives of suburban brigades will join with the city men in a last tribute. Mr. Beuth’s fellow-firefighters feel his death very keenly. The usual atmosphere of cheeriness at the station has given place to one of quiet sadness. Some indication of the force of the flying oil-drum that struck Enginedriver Beuth is gained from an examination of his helmet, which bears on the crown two deep indentations. The great heat from the oil had melted the soldered jointings of brass attachments of the helmet.