GRAND HOTEL FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 158, 16 July 1901, Page 2

GRAND HOTEL FIRE.

A. BAD TUBN FOR JESSIE MINNS.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.]

Auckland, last night The inquest in regard to the Grand Hotel fire has concluded. The jury returned the following verdict : ‘ Unit Leonora, Eva, and Kina Johnston ctuue bv their death from sutlocation and burn* ing in a firo at the Grand Hotel ; that Dora Wallace came by her death front injuries and shock received in having to j uinpj from tho top story of the Grand Hotel, a depth of some 30 feet, in consequence of the building being on fire. The jury are fully of tho opinion that the fire was not the result of an accident, but of tho wilful act of Jessica Minns and another person or persons unknown. They are also of opinion that the firo escapes provided wero totally inadequate. The jury are of opinion that tlm lire bngado acted as promptly as possible after receiving the alarm, and with the appliances at their command did everything that lay ia their power, but are of opinion t.uit more modern appliances should bo provided without delay, including electric alarms. Tho jury wish it to bo made known to tho Minister of Justice, that in their opinion it is desirable that legislation should be introduced whereby with regard to licensed houses, boarding houses, factories, theatres, and othor places of arnusoment the question of fire-escapes should no longer bo decided by a body such as tho licensing committeo, but by the stipendiary magistrate alone.” In consequence of tho vordict, tho Coroner issued a warrant for tho arrost of Jessica Minns. Sho will bo kept in custody until released by a writ of habeas corpus, or proceeded against in such manner as the Crown shall determine. The Coroner pointod out that tho verdict of tho jury would also cover the death of Frederick Ayres. : In tho rider, the states that tho Auck--1 land City Council is to be strongly cen- ’ sured for not carrying into effect tho building bye-law re lire escapes.