THE LONDON EXPLOSION

Evening Star, Issue 20057, 24 December 1928, Page 5

THE LONDON EXPLOSION

ESTIMATING THE DAMAGE INQUIRY TO BE HELD. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 22. Tbe fire brigade estimates that A,400 feet of roadway and twenty buildings wore damaged by the explosion. Three tons of celluloid film (I,GSO,OUii feet) were destroyed at the, premises of tho Overseas Film-Services, Ltd. A rough estimate of the total damage to. the places involved in tho wreckage is about £200,000. The question of liability is likely to be most complicated. The gas company blames the post office. The town clerk of Holborn expresses the opinion that the gas company must restore the thoroughfare. ' Business people and residents find consolation in the Home Office announcement that it is definitely holding an inquiry.—Australian Press Association. “WHO IS TO PAY?” CHRISTMAS TRADE' RUINED. Press Association-By Telegr iph—Copyright LONDON, December 22. The-‘Dailv Mail-' says: “ Who is to pay the damage of the Holborn explosion? Many buildings were badly damaged, the" shopkeepers’ Christmas trade has been ruined, and 100 lamilics are temporarily' homeless.” Tho Holborn Borough Council is sending a bill to tbe gas company, and advises private individuals to do likewise. The company says it will pass on the bills to the Post Office. Tho P.ost Office says nothing. It seems inevitable that there will bo a crop of legal actions before responsibility is fixed and claims met.—United Service. COMMISSION APPOINTED. ■ Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 23. (Received December 21, at 1 a.m.) The Homo Office has appointed . a Commission of three 'members to report on the Holborn street explosion with a view to preventing a recurrence. It is explained the Commissioners will have nothing to do with the legal responsibility, only concerning tho question of discovering if further safeguards are necessary.—Australian Press Asso-ciation-United Service.