THE RECENT FIRE AT THE WASHDYKE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2577, 24 June 1881, Page 2

THE RECENT FIRE AT THE WASHDYKE.

An enquiry took place at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, before R. Beetham, Esq., Coroner, and a jury, of whom Mf George Cliff was chosen foreman, toHptfng the recent destruction by fire of situated near the belonging to Mr C. Johnson, butcher. The jury having proceeded to view the scene of the fire in two express vans provided for the purpose, returned to the Court-house. Charles Johnson, butcher, Timaru, deposed that he had a slaughterhouse at the Wasbdyke Road. Saw the premises on Friday, June 10, when they were all right. On the following Monday was there again and the place was burnt down. The premises were uninsured, and witness estimated his loss at £7O. A neighbor named John Tait had objected to the renewal of witness’s license on last licensing day. He had told witness that he had no animosity against him, but that to save further trouble he had better get the place removed, as he (Tait) would not have it there at all. The roof of the slaughterhouse was of iron, and it would not be easy to set the building on fire. William Webster, slaughterhouse* man, employed at the Washdyko premises by Mr Johnston, deposed to seeing Tait at 4 p.m. on the Sunday before the fire. He gave witness a glass of whiskey and invited him to his house to tea. Left there t at 8 o’clock. Tait came over to witness’s house at about 10 o’clock, Was in bed but not asleep. Tait wanted to come in, and after threatening to burst open the door, went away. He had had a little drink. Did not see him again until next day, but found the bottles produced, containing kerosene, between the slaughter-yard and Tail’s house. The premises were burnt down next day. The case was proceeding when we went to press.