DISASTROUS FIRE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 715, 31 December 1875, Page 2

DISASTROUS FIRE.

—o — One of the most disastrous fires that has occurred in Clyde took place on Tuesday night last, resulting in the total destruction of the range of stables connected with the Hartley Arms Hotel, and comprising five stalls, three loose-boxes and feed house together with three valuable horses, the whole of which was uninsured. At the Enquiry into the origin of the fire, hold on Thursday afternoon last before W. L. Simpson. Esq., Coroner, the following evidence was taken. William Hastie being sworn, said :—Am in the emp’oy of Mr James Hazlett, Merchant. On Tuesday night I slept in a bedroom detached from, but connected with the Hartley Arras Hotel. About half-past twelve was disturbed by the kicking of horses in the stable ; looking up, saw a great reflection, and on jumping out of bed discovered the stable to be inflames. Without waiting to put on my clothes, ran across the street to the fire-bell, crying out “ Fire ” at the same time, returning, put on my clothes and proceeded to Mr Hazlott’s -table to remove the horses. Whilst passing by tho end of the burning building, saw a man with a horse, he said he had but just time to got his horse nut; asked him to bold one of my horses, he did so, and afterwards went away. By-a juror - The man looked to bo sober; he hold a maro for me

for some timo then went way. By Police —When I first noticed the fire the Haines were coming through the middle of the roof j the man was not smoking. I did not ice cither the man or Lis horse until after I Lad returned from ringing the bell. 1 saw none about when 1 first discovered the fire. James Parks, being sworn, said—> m the proprietor of the Hartley Arms Hotel and d the property destroyed. At about halfpast ten o’clock on Tuesday evening I made up the stable for the night, when all was safe. I had with mo an enclosed light There were then three of my horses in tin front stables, and one belonging to another man in a loose box. At about 9 o’clock in the evening the man told mo ho had put his horse in the loose box, and that ho would call for it presently. Did not see thn man again till the following morning, when ho told mo that he had bad only just timo to take his horse out of the burning stable. 1 did not cross-question him. I am sure there were no matches about the stable. I first heard the alarm of fire about half-past 12, and on running out saw the whole building in flames. I have no reason to believe anyone wilfully set the p’ace on fire. James Statham, stable boy’, gave coroborative evidence, further adding that at about half-past il o’clock, when he went to bed, he could see the stable and it was all right. llobert Lett, being examined, said—At half-past 9 on Tuesday evening I put my horse into a loose box in Mr Parks’ stables. T went into the bar and told him so. Afterwards I transacted some business, and then went into several public houses. I have but little recollection of my r after movements. The first thing I recollect was being awoke by the cry of fire. I was lying in the stable with my horse. The fire was then bursting through into the loose box where I was. I had but timo to get my horse out when the place was all ablaze. I do not smoke, and never carry matches. I do not know how long I was in the stable before the fire.broke out. When I got out I saw Mr Hazlett’s man with three horses, and he asked me to hold one for him. There being no further evidence the Coroner Bummed up, iiud the Jury, after a short deliberation returned an open verdict.