A FATAL FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 312, 11 February 1910, Page 4

A FATAL FIRE.

FATF OF A HOTEL BAB MAX.

By Telegraph.—Pros-,' Association,

Invercargill, Last XJght. About six o'clock this morning, the Railway Motel at Winton, an old landmark for nearly half a centuiiy, was totally destroyed by lire, and Thomas \Telnerney, aged 38, brother-in-law of Mr. Keith, the proprietor, was burned to death. Deceased was employed as barman, and at (he time was in soie charge of the hotel, Mr. ami Mrs. Keith having started tTie previous day on a motor trip to Dunedin. The incinerated remains of deceased "were recovered at mid-day, there being evidence that he had been endeavoring to save the ca-j'i-uox and books, the remains of which were found alongside the body. Fortunately there were not many boarders in the house sit the time. Those who were there found great difficulty in escaping. Pierce's hairdressiiig saloon, alongside the hotel, was also destroyed, but Coombes livery stables at the rear werT saved, though the side and top ignited. The Bank of New Zealand was in imminent danger, the projecting eves taking Are frequently, but the, promptness of a bucket brigade saved th L < building. The insurances on the hotel were: £7OO on the building,£s2s on the furniture, and £IOO on the stock in the Xew Zealand, Yorkshire, ami North British offices. Pierce's instiN anee amounted to £2OO in the Standard office. The stables were insured for £223 in the South British and Xew ZeahnA. The damage is estimated at £3O. It is supposed that the fire started in the kitchen, where the hotel porter at about 5.30 had lit up the stove •before leaving for Keith's farm.