THE MANNERS STREET FIRE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1417, 18 April 1912, Page 4

THE MANNERS STREET FIRE.

QUESTION OP INQUIRY

In a letter from Mr. H, E. ManninJ, published yesterday, the writer stated that ho had approached "both polieo and insurance" in reference to holding a public inquiry into the cause of the recent firo in Simmers Street, witilout getting any encouragement, Inspector Ellison stated yesterday (hatMr. Manning had never approached him, either by Idler or personally, in reference to holding a public inquiry into the cause of tho fire. \ Tho detectives. Inspector Ellison added, were making inquiries about the cause of tho live, and if Sir. Srnnniiig could give any information of tho character indicated in his letter, tho polieo would be pleased to sot all tlio facts beforo tho coroner. In any case, when the inquiry had been completed, tho facts would bo laid belors the coroner, so thai lie might decide nbethel' an inquiry sliould be held o: not. It rested with the coroner, and ii'.-t with the police to inako this decision. Inspector Ellison also stated Hint so far as he knew, Mr. Manning had not approached the sub-inspector or any member of the police force in reference te holding an inquiry. In any case, no ono had power to deal with such on application except himself. We have 'received tho following lettoi from Sir. Manning:— (To the Editor of The Dominion.) Sir,—ln reply to Inspector Ellison's statement in to-day's "Evening Post," I must admit '.hat I am no quill-pusher, and I am not to bo drawn through tho columns of tho papers. I have asked through tho papers for nil inquiry, and also asked the officers who liavo the case in hand, and when refused I told them I would appeal through the papers. Thejr then told ine that 1 was laying myself open for libel. I took tlio risk. I must stalo that I liavo both written tlio Inspector and telephoned him on most of tli« matter ombodied-in my letter of April IG. I liavo done my duly by bringing tho matter beforo the public. I refuse to discuss it i.ny further through th« press.—l am, etc., H, E. MANNING. April 17.