THE HAMILTON TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 April 1922, Page 5

THE HAMILTON TRAGEDY.

THREE VICTIMS. MOORE JONES’ HEROIC CONDUCT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hamilton, April 4. Mr. Moore Jones, the victim of the hotel fire, was a well-known soldier artist whose water-color sketches of Gallipoli were exhibited throughout the Dominion. He leaves a widow and family. The body found is still unidentified, but it is considered almost certain that it is that of Rory O’Moore, one of the oldest members of the Auckland Commercial Travellers’ Club. He was 63 years of age, and was very popular among his fellow members.

A woman’s shoe containing a portion of a foot has been found in the ruins of the fire, and it is believed it is that of Nellie Wood, the missing housemaid. Auckland, April 3.

The Hamilton Hotel was a wooden one, containing thirty bedrooms, and was owned by Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Company, Ltd. Mr. R. O. McKenzie, the licensee, Tesides in a cottage at the rear of the hotel. At the time of the outbreak there were twenty-five boarders, including five ladies. The hotel staff occupied the rear oi the premises. The origin of the fire is a mystery, but it apparently started in the kitchen at the rear of the buildings.

NIGHTWATCHMAN WAKES INMATES. The night porter, Mr. J. Masterson, was coming from upstairs when he saw the glare of the fire. He rushed to tne telephone to summon the brigade, but changed his mind, and decided to rouse the inmates. With commendable pluck lie rushed from room to room calling out to the occupants, and in some instances pulling them out of bed. By this time practically the whole building was on fire, the flames soaring up to U tremendous height, while the heat was intense. The boarders who had been aroused, in most, cases found it impossible to escape by the stairs, and had to use the fire escape. Some were clad in night attire only, while others had been able to snatch some scanty clothing before making their hurried departure. The licensee, Mr. McKenzie, was aroused by an employee, and made his way to the office. He was able to secure money and valuabales from the safe.

GREAT HEROISM DISPLAYED. The greatest heroism was shown by Mr. Moore Jones. He made his way to safety on the verandah, and then, although clad only in pyjamas and a light coat, he rushed oacx again, and was seen guiding the ladies to the fire escape. This accomplished he managed to reach the verandah of the adjoining premises, where he remained apparently dazed. Constable Roxburgh called to him to come down the fire escape, but he remained where he was, and the constable had to go up and place a rope under his arms and assist him to descend the escape. His clothing was hanging in shreds, while his head, hands and body were badly burned. He was taken to the hospital. where death occurred eany this afternoon.

A TRAVELLER’S EXPERIENCE. Mr. J. A. Ross, an Australian traveller, was in a room above the kitchen. He heard the crashing of glass and had just time to seize a few belongings when the flames came through his window. Finding the stairs ablaze, he rushed to beneatn the front balcony. Here he stood directing the women not to jump, but to use the fire escape. He said Mr. Moore Jones there assisting the boarders, and later saw him go inside the blazing building. After a time Mr. Moore Jones reappeared at the other ened of the building and got on to the verandah. Mr. Ross said he could not speak highly enough of Mr. Moore Jones, and that his gallantry was responsible for many being saved.

CHARRED BODY FOUND. By dint of strenuous exertions after over an hour’s work, the fire brigade was successful in stopping the fire from spreading to the north end of the hotel, and the members of the- brigade were able to gain an entrance to the upper floor. It was then that the badly-charred body of a man was found in the passage-way. The features were quite unrecognisable, and only fragments of clothing remained on the body. Fortunately very little wind was blowing or the premises adjoining and facing the hotel would certainly have been destroyed. As it was shops facing the hotel were scorched and. water had to be played upon them. The brigade finally got the outbreak under control a little after 6 a.m. The only portions of the hotel then standing were the staff’s quarters, which were detached from the main building, two store rooms, and the laundry.

A DEAFENING ROAR. When-the fire was at its height the hot water system exploded with a deafening roar, which was heard a considerable distance away, and pieces of iron piping were hurled into the air. One large piece fell through the roof ot an office opposite. The sparks set fire to a tank cover at the rear of the Savoy tea rooms, and also to some towels at the back of; the Oceanic restaurant, but these incipient outbreaks were quelled without the aid of the fire brigade.

SOME HEAVY LOSSES. The telephone and telegraphic wires were burned, over 100 subscribers being affected. Prompt work by the telegraph department restored the service by midday. The hotel contained an exceptionally large stock, one cellar alone having in it liquor valued at over £lOOO. A number ’of boarders lost considerable personal effects and money. In one case a honeymoon couple’s loss ran into ■£loo, while other monetary losses .of £3O and £25 are reported.

THE MISSING. Owing to the hotel books being burned, and the dispersal of the guests it was difficult to ascertain who was saved,, but it' is considered certain that the charred remains are those of Mr. O’Moore. He had intended to go to Te Aroha to-day, but no word of him was received there. Miss Nellie Wood, who cannot be accounted for, was employed as a housemaid, and is 32 years of age, and a native of Ayrshire. She had no relatives living. Previously she worked in the Grand Hotel, Auckland, . and had been employed in Hamilton for Z-

about a month. Her only friend in Hamilton expressed the opinion that if she had escaped she would have gone to him immediately.

THE INSURANCES. The insurances are as follow: Building and fittings, £9600. Stock and furniture, £4360. These are divided between the United and Commercial companies-