Shopkeepers Timely Rescue from Flames

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 666, 18 May 1929, Page 1

Shopkeepers Timely Rescue from Flames

COUNTRY STORE DESTROYED OWNER BADLY INJURED (Special to THE SUN) DARGAVILLE, Friday. But for the timely arrival of an assistant, Mr. C. H. Aukett would probably have lost his life when his general store at Te Kopuru was destroyed by fire. Mr. Aukett was working in his offie: until 10.30 o’clock, and he then wen. to refill a kerosene heater from a supply drum, when the latter caught fire and the whole room was soon ablaze. Mr. Aukett made strenuous efforts to subdue the flames and also called assistance by telephone. While he was operating a patent fire extinguisher it is thought that a side of bacon fell from the ceiling and knocked him unconscious, for when an employee, Mr. C. Ruge, arrived in answer to the call for assistance, he found Mr. Aukett on the floor. He had great difficulty, owing to the density of the smoke and the helplessness of his employer, in getting him out. It was found that Mr. Aukett had received somewhat serious injuries, necessitating medical attention. He was also suffering greatly from shock. The flames attracted a large crowd. A bucket brigade did good work in saving adjoining premises. When the safe was opened to-day the papers in it were found to be intact. The insurance on the stock was £1,300 and Oil the buildings, £4OO, in the Victoria Office. The owner estimates his loss above the insurance at £3,000.