Fire Inquiry.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43100, 4 June 1907, Page 2

Fire Inquiry.

An inquiry was to have been held yesterday by Mr Bush, S.M., into the circumstances of the fire at Belmont House on May 4th. The Government Fire Insurance Department was represented by Mr Bartlett, manager, and Mr May, Assistant Crown Prosecutor. Mr Clendon appeared for rhe occupier (Mr Gordon) ?>nd Mi 1 * Christ for the owner (Mr J. W S>h»w), while Mr Shepperd watched the proceedings on behalf of the Alliance Insurance Company. , ; The inquiry which is understood .o be the first under action 20 ->f t-o State Fire Act. is to be heard by • e S.M., without a jury. , On opening the case it .was found that the necessary authority was not produced authorising the holding of the inquiry, and the Magistrate refused to go on until it was After some discussion it was decided to adjourn till 10.30 to enable Counsel to wire to Wellington to obtain the necessary authority. . As the authority had not arrived at 10.45, it was decided to hold the inquiry on Tuesday, June 18th. Mr Gilchrist strongly objected as his client had been waiting at Te Aroha for the inquiry to take place. The Magistrate said he. could not see his way to do anything in the matter. _____