THE LATE FIRE AT PALMERSTON NORTH.
Prom tho Manawaiu Times of Saturday wo learn that at tho close of tho evidence taken at the inquest at the recent fire on Mr. Phillips’ premises at Palmerston North, which resulted in an open verdict—that there was no evidence to show how the fire originated—.a rather warm argument took place between Mr. Staite, tho representative of the insurance companies interested, and tho coroner. The journal above quoted says :—The Coroner observed that it was perfectly unnecessary to refer to the evidence, as there was not a particle of evidence to show how the, fire originated. Tho matter was in the hands of tho jury, but they could take no other coarse than to bring in a verdict to that effect.—Mr. Staitojjbegged to protest against such a high-handed proceeding as the coroner ordering the return of a certain
verdict, without the jury being allowed to judge for themselves.—The' Coroner said he could not allow Mr. Staite to use such language. He (the coroner) was only there to' discover how a certain fire originated. Ho maintained that there was no evidence to show that fact, and if the insurance companies, which Mr. Staite represented, thought otherwise, they could object to pay the amount,; and so open the . matter in another Court. — Mr. Staite did not object to the Court directing the jury ; but he certainly would not allow it to order the jury to find a certain verdict. If such, were permitted, and the coroner was fo be at one and the same time judge and jury, it was a perfect farce sum-, moning eighteen men, and losing their time. A rather heated argument then ensued as to the functions of the coroner and the license allotted to him in addressing the jury, Mr. Staite maintaining that there was abundant circumstantial, if not direct evidence, as to the origin of the fire.—The foreman was about to make some remarks about insurance agents; but tho coroner stopped and informed him that they should have been added to the verdict in the shape of a rider.”, . > ■ I
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5351, 22 May 1878, Page 3
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350THE LATE FIRE AT PALMERSTON NORTH. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5351, 22 May 1878, Page 3
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