WAIROA INSURANCE CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1931, Page 5

WAIROA INSURANCE CLAIM

I (By Telegraph —Per Press Association)

DEFENDANT’S EXPERT EVIDENCE

GISBORNE, June 24

The 'Wairoa Insurance Company case was continued at the Supreme Court to-day. Mr Gummcr, of Auckland, arch teet, is still in the box. Further examined, witnessed produced numerous photos and plans showing the eft'.ct of the quake on the meat works. These indicated a number of gables were

down and that there wire many cracks about the buildings. He said cracks at the engine-bases need not stop the engines operating immediately, but th se would gradually expand until it would be impossible to work the eng nes liny

longer. Every pier in some blocks was affected in some degree, usually having a' cracked top and a shattered base. He considered much of the damage to the works was caused by the initial quake, and must have been not’cable. What had occurred ill the fellmongery block was exactly what was to be expected ■from the quake. Most of the cracks resulted from the quake in his opinion. The witness was lengthily cross-ex-amined by Mr H. F. Johnston. He admitted he had Tittle experience of freezing works, but said itis conclusions were based on other buildings of similar construction, The shattering of the columns in the ihutton eoolitlg room might have been due to the explosion of the reinforcing rods. The fact that brass his evidence that there was not intense heat, nor would the fact that there was inflammable material in the bagroom, or wool below the floor. Witness had not inquired into the effect of ammonia cylinders exploding. He was employed by the N.Z. Insurance Cov., to ascertain the damage and the causes.

Witness’s cross-examination was continuing, when the Court adjourned till to-morrow.