A MAN BURNT TO DEATH AT CHURCHILL.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1424, 18 August 1881, Page 2

A MAN BURNT TO DEATH AT CHURCHILL.

The unfortunate man Arthur Craig, reported in our last issue to have sustained severe injuries by burning on Sundaynight, at Churchill, died on Monday morning before medical assistance could arrive. As was ntated, Dr. Edgelow was wired for, but Craig must have succumbed before the train left Hamilton. Farther particulars show that on Sunday night the de<ased, who had been drinking heavily, tied himself to a colonial couch, and having piled a quantity of flax tow on his body applied a match and was soon enveloped in flames. His children, frightened at their father's behaviour, ran out and alarmed the neighbors, who at once pro - ceeded to Craigs house, and seeing the state of matters endeavoured to get him off the sofa, but in this they experienced the greatest difficulty, the deceased resisting with all his strength. They were successful at last, but the damage had been done before their arrival, and from the first they despaired of the man's recovery. The body was dreadfully charred, the skin dropping off freely. He lingered till between 9 and 10 on Monday morning 1 , when death mercifully came to his aid. Craig was, we believe, a widower, and leaves a family. The Auckland Herald says there can be no doubt that Craiir is a brother of Mr. Joseph Craig, of Fortstreet. He was formerly a ropemaker in Auckland, and worked for some time af, the Mechanics' Bay Ropeworks, when conducted by Mr James Eobertson, sen., vow of Mangere.