FATAL FIRE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 479, 11 June 1890, Page 4

FATAL FIRE.

WOMAN BURNED TO DEATH. Auckland, June 9. A most distressing affair occurred at Henderson on Saturday evening. A tworoomed lean-to on Mr A. Beotham’s estate was destroyed by fire, and the charred remains of a woman were found amongst the ilebrin. The shed had been occupied by a gumdigger named Porteous and his wife. It appears that on Saturday evening Mr Wm. Prescott went to the house with some milk, and found Mr and Mrs Porteous chatting together. Ho states that the woman seemed to be under the influence of liquor. There was no fire, but a lighted candle was standing on the table in a square mustard tin. Subsequently Prescott saw Porteous at Mr La Trobe’fi store, near the railway station, where he left him. As Prescott was returning home he noticed that the bouse of Porteous was in flames. He burst in the door, but was unable to get inside in consequence of the smoke and flames. He called out, but got no response. In a-very short space of time the building was destroyed. Afterwards Mr Prescott (senior) and Mr Porteous searched amongst the ruins, and were shocked to discover the body of Mrs Porteous sadly disfigured and charred. The matter was afterwards reported to the police, and Mounted Constable Kelly went out yesterday to inguire into the circumstances of the ca3e. Arrangements were made for an inquest to-day. Mr John Bollard,J.P., will officiate as coroner.