THE GAS-POISONING TRAGEDY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2451, 3 May 1915, Page 7

THE GAS-POISONING TRAGEDY

CORONIAL INQUIRY. . The coronial inquiry into the deaths of the five victims of asphyxiation of the gas poisoning, tragedy in the City on Friday last, will bo opened by Mr. \V. G. Riddell, S.M., at 2.30 o'clock this afternoon. It is understood that evidence will then be taken as to the cause of death and the circumstances Burrounding the same, and the inquest will then be adjourned until expert evidence is forthcoming as. to the possible cause of the disaster.. Mr. E. G. Jellicoe .will watch the inquiry on behalf of the countrymen of three deceased Chinamen.. Charles Ching, the Ellis Street Chinaman who was sent to the Hospital on Friday suffering from partial asphyxiation, is reported to be recovering satisfactorily. " ■ Reports of minor interest in connection with the gas meter mystery continue to circulate. One lady, who resides in Majoribanks Street, states'that at about 10.30 p.m. on Thursday two of her gas mantles and chimneys on lighted jets were blown off, and the door of the meter was found ajar, it is understood that the work of repairing tho meters affected extends over a wide area. Saturday's Christchurch "Sun" says: "The cause of the recent gas fatalities in Wellington is the subject of much speculation here. The occurrence is of an almost unprecedented character, and few can recall when so' many lives were lost through any similar happening. Various theories are advocated. but until an exhaustive inquiry is held, thero is not likely to be an authoritative statement. The theory which snggosts itself with most force is that excessive pressure from the gasworks might force the water from thf meters. Unless they were promptly re-charged with water the motors would leak, and the escaped gas would get its opportunity on tho sleeping victims." Th<) funeral ol Walter Holmes, whn was found dead in his room in Millgrave Street, will take place this after-