AN AUCKLAND SENSATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 144, 29 June 1901, Page 2

AN AUCKLAND SENSATION.

THE RECENT EIRE. AN INTIMIDATED WITNESS. THREATENED BY A MAN SHE SAW IN THE PANTRY. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. Tho Coroner’s enquiry touching the recent firo at the Grand Hotel was continued to-day. Tho scullery maid, Jessie Minns, refused to give evidence, and the Coroner, after warning tho witness that sooner or later she would bo compelled to relate all she knew concerning tho fire,"allowed her to stand down until to-morrow morning, when she will again be called. Mrs Minns, mother of the witness, was present with her daughter, and, in answer to questions by tho Coroner, stated that the refusal of the witness to give ovideneo was due to the fear that some person or persons would do her some injury if she disclosed certain iacts that had come under her notice. It seemed that her daughter had seen a man in the pantry on tho night before tho fire, and he had threatened her that if she opened her lips slic would suffer for it. The Coronor said that if Miss Minns would only disclose the name of the porson or persons who had threatened her steps would bo taken that would effectually place her beyond any fear of injury.