THE AVONDALE ASYLUM FIRE.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8176, 7 May 1895, Page 1

THE AVONDALE ASYLUM FIRE.

Tho inquiry re tho water supply at tho recent firo which destroyed the auxiliary syslum is being continued before Me Northcroft, S.M. A great deal of important evidence has been taken, but so far there seems to bo nothing to indicate tho cause of tho strange failuio of the water t- up ply on the nights in question, or to oxplain how it is that test made under what are said to have been precisely similar circumstancos show excellent pressuro. Mr Cotter, who represents tho City Council, said ho wislud to know how fir Mr Northcrofb intended to proceed in tho inquiry. He had, ho said, been instructed to appear on behalf of tho City Council in this inquiry in consequence of sorious charges made by the Premier of iho colony aq-unst the Council ai.d tho Auckland Firo Brigade. Tho Prom or had stated tho Council had absolutely shut oil tho water on the night in quest in order to savo a hotel in town. Tho Hon. Mr Reovea had also said that certain reports mado on tho asylum fire justified tho chargo by tho Premier lhab tho auxiliary asylum was burned down boctuso the water was turned off. This was a sorious ch-trgo against tho City Council, and ho asked His Worship if he would outer into tho question as to whether tho City Council turned tho water off from the asylum to savo a hotel in town. The allegation was nob ono of omisbion, for it was alleged they had designedly cut off tho water. Tho City Council authorities and Superintendent Hughes felt tho allegations keenly, land it was on their bolialf that he was watching tho inquiry. Mr NorthcroTb said his commission was simply to inquire into tho f.iiluio jf iho water on tho night in question. Tho taking of evidence was then icsumcd.