THE RECENT FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3782, 18 January 1908, Page 3

THE RECENT FIRE.

The Inquiry. An inquiry touching the origin of the fire which destroyed Ranfurly Boardinghouse on New Year’s Day, was held before the Coroner (Alf. Fraser Esq., J.P.) and the following jury, on Thursday, at i p.m.:—Messrs A. Jonson, J. W. Rough, Thos. East, R. Newth, A. E. Shadbolt. Bessie Smith, who occupied the house, staled in evidence that she took possession of the house from Mr Johnston on x6th December, 1906, as a going concern, added a piano, sewing machine, and other articles of furniture. Was not making much money at the time of the fire. Insured the furniture in March last for ,£350, which included on piano, and on machine. Was absent when the fire broke out on January Ist. Everything was safe when witness left the house. Was surprised to learn that it was her house on fire. Was at the Sports at the time. Four tables, some chairs, crockery, piano, and sewing machine were saved. The insurance agent offered me in full settlement of policy. Accepted that sum because the agent said there would be no more bother or inquiry, and to save that inquiry witness was prepared to forego £2OO. To a juryman: The sewing machine cost and Mr RaeHoward had insured it for To the Coroner: The agent asked me to value what was saved, but he did not ask me to give a list of what was burnt. Had not yet received the insurance money. Evidence was given by Mrs Smith’s son, principally about a fire that had broken out in the house on the evening of December 31st. Samuel Mansell, a boarder, described a fire which took place in the house on 31st December. With the assistance of three others he put the fire out. Saw the fire which destroyed the building on January Ist. All the upstairs portion was alight when he arrived.

George Gray, who first noticed the fire and gave the alarm, saw the flames in the upper portion of the building. The fire started in back corner of the north side. Peter Harvest Rae-Howard deposed to taking a risk, as agent for the Yorkshire Fire Insurance Company, in January, 1907, upon the furniture and effects of the house destroyed. Made a careful inventory of Mrs Smith’s property and added the contents of the bill of sale, and made out one policy for the whole. As far as witness was concerned, did not know whether the goods enumerated in the bill of sale were in the house or not. Estimated that there was worth of furniture in the house when witness took out the policy. By the Coroner: Did not go through the house and see the furniture. The value of the furniture did not strike witness as being excessive for a boardinghouse of that description. Had not taken any other risks on boardinghouses in Foxton. About £250 worth of goods belonged to Mrs Smith, and the balance was included in the bill of sale. Robert Pownall, Wellington, manager for the Yorkshire Insurance Company, stated that his company held a risk of ,£350 on the furniture and effects destroyed. Came to Foxton after the fire. Made enquiries, and saw Mrs Smith, and offered her in settlement of her claim. Made the offer after witness ascertained that the furniture and effects had been overvalued. By the Coroner: Generally ask for a detailed list of losses before settling claims, but not in all cases. The value shown on Mrs Smith’s proposal was The jury returned an open verdict.