FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 284, 31 March 1913, Page 8

FIRES.

A MYSTERIOUS OUTBREAK. MAN BURNED TO DEATH. 13y Telegraph—Press Association. Greymouth, Last Night. A fatal fire occurred at Bhvketown oil Saturday night, by which Alfred' James Williams, aged thirty-seven, a married man with two children, and a wharf laborer by oacupation, lost his life. A house of five rooms, occupied by William Johnson, tally clerk, took fire and was burned to the ground. The origin of the lire is a mystery. .Mrs. Johnson was away on a holiday, and Johnson was absent from home at a picture show. It is surmised that Williams, in passing by. saw that the place was on fire, entered the building and was overcome by the smoke. TTis charred l'c. mains were found in the debris, but at first were not identified. Mrs. Williams informed the police that her husband had not returned during the. night, and the body was then identified by her through a peculiar lmekle worn by him. The house was owned by the late Mr. Perotti's estate, and was insured -for £l(iO in the Phoenix Office, and. the furniture for £2OO.

A COTTAGE BURNED DOWN. Tailiape, March 20. The recent dry weather and yesterday's high wind en used a logging up fire to spread so rapidly from the adjoining section that a five-roomed cottage at Mataroa Road, owned by C. McDonell, and occupied by a family named Christiansen, was totally destroyed. The furniture was saved. There was no insurance. RAIN QUENCHES BUSH FIRES. ■Gisborne. March 20. Heavy rains at midnight saved the situation in the Matawai district, where the bush fires were fierce and more exciting than those last month. For some time the Matawai township was endangered.