Public service for five who died

A public remembrance service for the five people who died in the Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington has been scheduled for mid-June – a month after the tragedy. Michael Eric Wahrlich, 67, also known as Mike the Juggler; Melvin Parun, 68; Kenneth Barnard, 67; Peter Glenn O’Sullivan, 64; and Liam James Hockings, 50, died after a suspected arson early on the morning of May 16 tore through the Newtown lodge. Wellington City Council yesterday announced that a public service of remembrance will be held at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, at 2 Hill St, at 5.30pm on June 15. It will be led by the Rev Katie Lawrence. ‘‘This is an opportunity to come together and share the grief we have felt over the past few weeks as we remember those who lost their lives and homes,’’ mayor Tory Whanau said. A statement from police yesterday confirmed that everyone known to be in the Newtown lodge on the night of the fire had been accounted for. Multiple investigations into the fire are under way, and a man has been charged with arson.