FIRES.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 143, 6 April 1877, Page 5

FIRES.

Since our. last publication the public mind has been considerably excited by a succession of fires in the town and district. As • usual in such cases the origin in each case is a mystery, but it is much to by hoped that something may yet transpire to throw light upon the subject. The first fire was at Kaihiku

on Sunday evening, when the stockyard and outhouses belonging to Messrs R. and T. Haworth were burned down. The fire was first discovered by the farm servant, who at once gave the alarm, but too late to save the buildings or much of their contents. The whole damage was fully covered by insurance. An inquest was held by Dr Smith and a jury yesterday, when an open verdict was returned.

The second nre occurred at Bajlclutha

at 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning, when the substantial four-roomed house in James-street, belonging to Mr Jas. Spence, was, with its contents, completely destroyed. The house had been unoccupied for the past few weeks. Mr Spence had visited it for a few minutes on Tuesday evening about 10 o'clock, but lighted no fire, and left everything right. The fire was noticed about 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning by Mrs Itobt. Hogg, who immediately roused the neighbours, • but tins flames had got boo firm a hold to admit of anything being saved. Mr Spence estimates his loss at £450, which is covered by an insurance to the extent of £300. An inquest was held by Dr Smith and a jury, the same afternoon, when an open verdict was again returned.

The third fire occurred at KaITANUATA.

same morning, and was first seen by a man mimed Mark Morrison about 3 o'clock. The scene of the fire was Mr H. Macdonald's offices and hardware store, which, when disco v ered, were enveloped m flam?s, and were, with their contents, speedily consumed. Attempts had also been made to burn the produce store and timber yard, but these were discovered in time to save the buildings. As an inquest will be lull to-day, we refrain from giving further particulars in the meantime, except that there is not the slightest doubt a determined attempt had been made by some one to burn down the whole of Mr Macdonald'a premises. It is to be hoped that at the inquiry to-day such evidence will be forthcoming as will lead to the discovery and conviction of the offender.