PORT CHALMERS FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2128, 10 July 1907, Page 1

PORT CHALMERS FIRE.

Press Association. DUNEDIN, yesterday. In connection with the fatal fire at Port Chalmers, the building was insured in the Alliance for t7 r> . The adjoining building, owned b,y John Connell, who resides in Dunedin, was damaged, but not very extensively. John Hempsev, an elderly man, and liis two sisters, who live in this house, had their furniture and belongings (which are not insured) very much damaged by water. Robert AVilmott, painter, lias his showroom in a shop in front, and the water pouring through the ceiling damaged liis stock, including a quantity of paperhangings. The stock was insured in the State office for £IOO, but the damage is less than that amount. An inquest on the bodies of Ruby Haberfield and hor tliree-year-old son Jacob Takkopurira Taheki, was opened yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Mullaney stated that he knew the deceased woman by sight. The Haberiields occupied an upper storey and part of the back of the ground floor of tho house. To the Coroner: He did not know how the bodies were lying, as he was not present when they were found. Nothing was known as to the cause of the fire, except the statement of Wni. Haberfield. The fire brigade was on the scene with great promptitude, and everything possible was done to extinguish the fire without delay. The window was about 15ft front the ground. The Coroner said Haberfield was pot in a fit state to give evidence, nor was he likely to be for some time. The inquest would be adjourned sine die.