It was a terrible tragedy that continues to move us here at Purewa.

Mr and Mrs Charles Porteous had three children; Charles aged eight, Hettie aged seven, and Arthur aged five. Also living with them in the building was Charles’ brother-in-law Mr Herbert Mountfield and his wife Ruth, along with their nephew Philip Waud, aged 12.

When the fire started, the family attempted to escape via the veranda, but sustained severe burns on their feet due to the heat of the iron roof. Sadly, little Arthur and Hettie were unable to be saved from the veranda by their father and uncle, who desperately tried to reach them on the burning roof. The two children died that morning.

Mr Porteous was so badly burnt, a witness states that he passed out from agony at the scene. His wife and other son were also severely injured and taken to hospital.

The funeral procession was a solemn one. Starting in Grey Lynn at the Porteous Grandparents’ house, the cortege made its way to Purewa Cemetery led by the Ponsonby School’s drum and fife band. They were followed by a large number of cabs. Mrs Edith Porteous was still recovering in Severn Private House Hospital.

The buds the Gardener gave us

Each a pure and lovely child

He gave them to our keeping

To cherish undefiled

But just as they were opening

To the glory of the day

Down came the heavenly Gardener

And took our buds away