CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 107, 7 May 1870, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE FIRE AT HOPEFIELD. To the Editor op the Nelson Evening Mail. Sib — I feel impelled to send you this letter, which, if it accords with your own feelings, you will kindly insert in your paper. Yesterday afternoon I was summoned as a juryman to assist in making inquiry as to the cause of the origin of a fire which burned to to the ground a stable, four or five tons of hay, and other property belonging to Mr. SimpsoD, of Hopefield farm. This makes the third inquest which has been held in connection with like fires that have occurred within two or three months — and all without any satisfactory result. In this case it was evident it could not have occurred from spontaneous combus-

tion. It was also proved that none of the family (accustomed to go to the barn) were out of the house after between 7 and 8 o'clock, whereas the fire occurred about one o'clock. A strong impression as to the cause was felt, but no evidence could be obtained. Those who know the family, which many do, will know that Mr. Simpson has long had a heavy family affliction to contend against, such as would fully justify him in applying for outer assistance; but, like a true Scotchman (and I, as an Englishman am at liberty to express myself thus), he has, with God's help, fought his way, and hitherto kept the wolf from the door. But this is a sudden and heavy lossj in addition to which he has, within a few days, lost two valuable cows. It is a hard case to be aroused by fire at midnight and no help at hand, and harder sti 1 to feel that there is no apparent means to prevent the like from occurring again. Should any of your numerous readers be able to realise the position, and feel that it is a fair and proper case to show they do by a little practical assistance, they can do so by calling at the Evening Mail office, at Mr. Black's, draper, Mr. Wilkie's, grocer, or on the writer of this letter, Edward Austin, Nelson, May 7. Waimea-road.