THE GRAND HOTEL ENQUIRY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 5 July 1901, Page 4

THE GRAND HOTEL ENQUIRY.

(PBB PBBSS ASSOCIATION.) Extraordinary Evidence Auckland, July 4. The inquiry into the recent fire at the Grand Hotel was continued yesterday, when mor j evidence of an extraordinary nature was given by tha pantry maid, Jessie Minna, who was recalled, after a long cross-examination, by Sub-Inspector Mitchell, The girl added to her former statement, giving evidonce of a more sensational character still. Her story, briefly put, was to tho effect that on the night immediately proceeding the fire (Thursday), instead of staying in her bedroom after she went there from her bath (.is she first stated) she remained about a quarter of an hour only and then went up stairs. There she met the three men of her former story, who were, sho said, engaged in rubbing walls and aarpets with B ime stuffirom a bottle, because of which sho was told by one tho fire would spread rapidly on" being started. She went on t>. state that the men told her they were paid by a gentleman to do Johnstone an injury, and that if she would help ihem they would dividetho proceeds, oho retted to do more than keep their secret. KLe of the men showed hor two places lijhe top floor of tho building where ho Hkgd to start tho fire. Sho was sure Ik not dreamt this extraordinary read one like it, and said Tuesday evening last she and three others, and Raten to hunt her down.

Misß Minns will be called again tomorrow on the resumption of the enquiry.