INQUEST ON INCIPIENT FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3760, 14 March 1907, Page 3

INQUEST ON INCIPIENT FIRE.

An inquest touching the incipient fire which recently broke out at the pound cottage was held in the Courthouse this afternoon, before Mr Alf. Fraser (Coroner) and the following jury: Messrs RaeHoward (foreman), J. W. Rough, E. G. Sutherland, J. Nicholson,' A. H. Aitkin, and P. Hennessy.

Mr R. Moore appeared on behalf of the Borough Council. The particulars of the fire have already been published in these columns.

The jury inspected the premises and on resuming called Charles Speirs. He stated that he went to the house about 12 o’clock on the day of the fire to feed his horse. Was returning from the outbuildings when he saw a man coming towards the house. Both noticed the fire and witness raised the alarm, and called to the fiaxmill hands for assistance. Described how the fire was put out. Was in the front ot the house endeavouring to save the other occupant’s furniture. Went round the back when the fire was put out. The principal articles destroyed were the pound-book and witness’ account book. Saw pound-book lying outside after the fire. Did not think it necessary to report the fire to the Borough Council. The police were present and took all particulars. The poundkeeper’s book was then produced. Witness did not know how it came that a number of pages had come to be torn out of the book. Read was the only other person who had made entries in the book. Kept the book under cover in a box. The book was lying on the top of the box at the time of the fire. Didn’t know till after the Council meeting that leaves had been torn out of the book. Mrs Walls attends to the pound during witness’ absence. Mrs Walls left a memo of what stock was impounded and liberated. The witness was closely questioned by the coroner in reference to his method of making entries and obtaining signatures from persons releasing stock. Witness admitted that certain people did not sign; The contents of the cottage were not insured.

In reply to the foreman, witness said the book had not been asked for.

The coroner reminded witness he was on his oath and stated that the book had been asked for. Witness said he didn’t remember. The coroner said the book was asked for inspection purposes before the fire. By the foreman: Had not settled accounts by contra of poundage fees.

Witness was again cautioned, and admitted there might have been fifteen or sixteen shillings settled in that way.