INQUEST.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 90, 18 April 1877, Page 2

INQUEST.

An inquest on the late fire in Bridge-street was held at the Trafalgar Hotel this afternoon before Dr Squires, the coroner, and a jury, of which Mr Webster was foreman. Constable Cooper stated that on Monday morning, between one and two, he was stauding under Mr Everett's verandah, when he saw an illumination over Jones' shop, and shortly after sparks rising. Giving the alarm he ran down and saw fire breaking out of the roof. Thinking Jones might be there, as he knew he was in the habit of going there at night occasionally in a state of intoxication, he rapped at the door with his baton, but got no answer. He saw the place was full of smoke, and shortly after the flames burst out. Evan Lloyd, the night watchman, gave evidence to very much the same effect as the foregoing. He was watching Jones' shop at the time, because he knew he sometimes went there at night in a state of liquor, and had seen him there drunk and asleep with a lighted candle by his side. E. F. Jones was in the shop on Sunday night about 7 o'clock, wrote two letters in the back part of the front shop, and left shortly before nine. Went into the shop again shortly before ten, struck a match, walked through it, and left again directly and went to his home at Beaehville. Stock and tools were insured in the South British for £100. Had partially taken stock lately, but had not completed it. Believed that stock was worth nearly £300. Thought the fire must have been caused by rats gnawing matches, boys striking matches outside, the flue of a stove in the Coach aud Horses, or somebody going into the collar room at back and striking a light. Never saw such a place for rats in his life.

W. 11. Waters owned Jones' shop and owned and occupied the one next to it. Building was insured for £150 in the South British. Considered that he had lost about £100 on the building and £150 on the stock. Had no interest in Jones' policy. Jones' arrears oE rent were about £70. Had always been afraid of a flue at the Coach & Horses. Had of teu seen fire flying out of it at a frightful rate. Had no idea as to the origin of the fire.

This closed the evidence, and the jury returned a verdict to the effect that there was nothing to show how the fire originated.