INQUEST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3720, 16 October 1906, Page 3

INQUEST.

An inquest touching the fire which recently destroyed. Mr E. W. Wilson’s house in Duncanstreet was held at the local Coiirthouse this morning before Mr Alf Fraser (coroner) and the following jury: Messrs J. Frew, W. Ho wan, E. A. Howe, William Hamer, J. W. -Rough, and J. M. Thompson. Mr Hamer was chosen foreman. The jury viewed the site of the conflagration. - E. W- Wilson, owner of the house lately destroyed by fire in evidence stated’ that he was absent at Rongot&a at tile time- of tire fire. Eeft the house at "4' p.m. ; didn’t think there was -any fire; was by himself in the house; did not smell or notice any fire; owned the property about twelve months. The house contained 8 rooms, and was erected on one of the four sections lie bought; there a four-roomed cottage bfi one section a two roomed cottage ; .on another and stables on a third. Paid for the lot. Valued ' the cottage destroyed at ,£l6O ; it was insured for the policy had been in existence before he bought itThe house was furnished throughout ; would not have taken ,£2OO cash for the furniture destroyed, which was insured for ,£9O. Did not takeout a''fresh policy but got the previous owner’s policy transferred;' As witness intended to, build he-did riot think it necessary to increase the policy, A new building is being erected close to the one destroyed. The old building did not obstruct the view. Estimated his loss ■at £l3O. Could not give any reason for the fire, but thought it arose from a defective chimney ; no suspicion of oul play., To the foreman : There was no policy taken out on the building being erected. To the Coroner: Did not estimate the value of building destroyed by rent but by building. Charlotte Wilson, wife of the previous witness deposed that she left the house about 3.30 p.m- on the day of the fire. Went to Mr Wilson’s senr. to spend the night on account of her husband being away. The fire appeared to be out when witness left. Took the childrens’ night gowns with her. Could not suggest any reason as to cause of fire. Simeon Wilson, father of the first witness, stated that he-visited the house destroyed at about a quarter to seven to fetch some linen to be washed. Did not go in the house. Got the linen from the porch. Did not smell or ‘’ see any fire. G. W. Morgan, insurance agent for Eiverpool Eondon and Globe Company, stated that his company held the risk of £l2O on the house and £9O on the furniture over the building destroyed. Did not know value of the house or the furniture. The policy had been arranged by a previous agent. Constable Whitehouse gave evidence the re house being on fire. Was present at the conflagration The fire had evidently started in kitchen as the flames were breaking out in that quarter. Mr 0. E. Austin was present. There was no chance of saving anything and the new house in course of erection was only saved with great difficulty. The jury returned the following verdict : That there was no evidence to show how the fire originated.,