FATAL FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH

Temuka Leader, Issue 291, 16 September 1880, Page 2

FATAL FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH

TWO CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH (Per Press Association.) ' Christchurch, Sefft 18* At 6 o’clock on Saturday morning cottage near the Lunatic Asylum* occupied by Mr Robert: Windsor, an attendant at the Asylum, was destroyed 3 by fire, and two children aged six and three respectively, were burnt to dsath. It appears that shortly before 6 o’clock Mis Windsor went oat to get some milk leaving the children in the house and " both the front and back doors were closed in consequence of the high wind then blowing. A fire was burning in the kitchen, Soon afterwards the kitchen was discovered to be on fire. Several neighbours endeavoured to enter the building, but were driven back by flames. The children must have been suffocated by the smoke, as no cries - heard. Their remains were dreadfully disfigured, and were found near a bed in the other room. Both parents were i much attached to the children, and the . | mother became insensible from the f sh< ok she received upon learning their f sad fate. The house and effects were r ■■■ not insured, At the inquest on the bodies of the children an open verdict was returned* It was supposed that the fire originated f from a spark blown out of the fireplace, Windsor’s case is a very hard one, as he had just managed to scrape enough money together to build himself a house and by this fire he is robbed of property and children at one swoop. An appeal is made through . the papers to the benevolent and a fair sum has been collected in a very short time.