THE FATAL FIRE IN DUNEDIN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 259, 29 July 1919, Page 4

THE FATAL FIRE IN DUNEDIN

INQUEST OPENED, lis Tclesrarh—l'rpfs A»soolatlnn

Dunedin, July 28. Samuel Doherty, who was badly burned in tho fire at Cargill Street yesterday morning, died m tho hospital to-day. An inquest was opened this afternoon on the bodies of Duncan MacDoftell and Samuel Doherty, the victims of the fire. Tho evidence showed that there were 13 boarders, mostly seamen, in the house, besides eight members of tho household. Tho fire was discovered in the room occupied by Doherty, and had a good hold. The house was not licensed as a boarding-house. Tho medical evidence showed that both men were badly burned. In the hospital on Sunday morning Doherty admitted that lie was three-parts drunk. When the alarm was given a man named Clarke found Doueity lying on the bed with all his' clothes on, and woke him up. On arrival at the houso tho superintendent ot the brigade was informed that everybody was out except tho proprietress, who was in tue kitchen, but on going quontly he found Doherty. MacDonells tody was found shortly afterwards. Doherty informed the pohco on Sunday tliat he got out of the room but went back to get his money. The inquest was adjourned to Wednesday, the Coroner stating that ho wanted to look into the bylaws and consider tho whole matter further. ,