FATAL FIRE AT BLENHEIM

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2545, 5 July 1909, Page 5

FATAL FIRE AT BLENHEIM

A MOTHER AND TWO CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH.

[Per Press Association.] BLENHEIM, July 3. A fire attended by fatal results occurred! a few minutes after midnight. The scene of the outbreak was a five roomed house in Whitney Street, owned by Mrs. Joseph Taylor, senior, and occupied by Joseph Taylor. A servant girl named Berry first discovered that the house was on fire, being awakened by pictures, falling down in the bedroom and finding the bed clothes in flames. She got out the two children, who were sleeping with her, and then attempted to return for Mrs. Taylor and the other two, but was driven back by the 'flames. A passeT-by rushed in and rescued the youngest child, but it was so badly~bUrned that it died in the hospital this morning. Taylor arrived at home‘to find the fire bursting out everywhere. He smashed, a window, and endeavored to drag his wife through, but her clothing gave way, and the flames drove him back. Airs. Taylor’s body and that of her son Joseph, aged about- 10, were found in the ’ debris after the flames, had subsided. (The Fire Brigade were prevented by lack of water from rendering any assistance. Taylor was badly cut and burned. It is feared he will lose his reason. The insurances are not- at present obtainable.