HEROISM AT A FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 307, 22 May 1911, Page 6

HEROISM AT A FIRE.

A thrilling rescue occurred at a fire at > Richmond, Victoria. When .Constable ] Simpson reached the scene of the fire his • attention was attracted by several women in night att lr e, who were standing in front of the burning lumsc and calling for help. He hurried to the spot, and was told that there was a woman inside burning to death. Accompanied by Henry Rees, a neighbor, he entered the cottage in time to see Reed, the occupant of the house, stagger from the bedroom, his pyjama coat in flames. The uedroom was filled with flame and smoke, and as the constable and Rees entered it they saw Mrs. Heed lying on her side on the floor, wrapped in blazing bedclothes. They dragged her into the passage, tore the burning bedclothes aside, and carried I her into the street. The constable said he believed she was dead when they lifted her. Rees and the constable entered the house again, and on a couch in the sitting-room they fouid Reed in a crouched position. His pyjama coat was still smouldering.' "You are in danger here." Constable Simpson said. "My back is bad," groaned Reed. With their assistance he was helped into the street, and removed to the Melbourne Hospital, fn the meantime the fire brigade had been summoned, and quickly extinguished the flames. Mrs. Reed was 34 years of age. Reed stated later that Mrs. Reed got out of bed and struck a match, which set fire to the cover of the dressing-table. The flames quk'kiy spread. He tried to i put the fire out. but failed, and sustained injuries to his back.