MATAU FIRE TRAGEDY

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 429, 10 May 1937, Page 4

MATAU FIRE TRAGEDY

FIERCENESS OF FLAMES Old Man Burned To Death An 84.year.old pensioner, James Grant Mllson, was burned' to death In his whare at Mangamalre Road, Matau, on Sa'urday afternoon. The tragedy occurred on his bir hday. Neighbours who saw smoke issuing front the habitation smashed in the wall and the door but the fierceness of the flames drove them b..ck, ths charred remains being found later near the bed. A resident in ther-.district since 1892, lite old man gave up active farming many years ago and for 16 years occupied the bach on the pro per.y he leased. For the past two or three years he had been in failing health. He spent most of his time reading and smoking In front of a blazing fire and it is thought the fire may have started when he was lighting his kerosene lamp. Mr Milson was a single man with relatives alt Aucklandt Christchurch and Matau. An inquest was held at Matau today.