CORDIAL FACTORY FIRE.
MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY. An enquiry inio the fire at Stellensen's cordial factory on the night of July 13 was opened by Mr Cfooke, S.M.< at the Courthouse yesterday. Captain Bell ringer was present, and - Senior-Ser-geant Haddrell appeared on behalf of the police. Car] Steffensen stated that he had carried on business as a cordial manufacturer at the. corner of Elliot and Lemon Streets since -July 13 last. There was a dwelling, factory, and a wasliliouse three feet away from the factory. He used the copper in the washhonse. on the morning of July 13, finishing work about 5 p.m. There was nothing 'inflammably about the washhouse. The house in which he s'ept was 15 or 20 yards from the washhouse. lie went to bed about 'J p.m., but did not make a thorough search of the building before retiring. He was awakened about• 3 a.m. by hearing voices oil,aide, and on getting up saw the "washhouse was on ■lire. He went to the factory to get the hose to play on the fire, but could get no water to run. At that time there was no 'fire in the factory. He thought, ho must have turned the wrong tap in his excitement. He thought that had he succeeded in playing water on the Are it would not have spread to the factory. He rang up the exchange to get the fire brigade, but could get no response, though he rang for ten minutes. The flames were coming out all over the waslih-ouse. It would be from 20 to 25 minutes from the time he got the alarm to that at which the brigade arrived. The 'fire had then extended to the factory. He had 110 idea as to the origin of the fire. The buildings were insured in the New Zealand Co.'s •office for £475 in all. He estimated his loss at just under £3OO. Subsequently he examined the washhouse chimney, !mt could not detect anything likely to ca-uae the fire. He did not think anyone would deliberately set the premises on fire on account of ill-feeling towards him. '■ To Captain Bellringer: His mother, who occupied the cottage adjoining the factory, waa absent at Opunake on the night of the fire. The washhouse was used for washing bottles and boiling syrup, also as a storeroom. He had never had a fire previous to the one in question. His loss was about £3OO, but 'the assessor had only agreed to about half that sum. He agreed with the assessor as to the amount of damage to the buildings. Samuel Thos. R. Burrell, gardener, stated that he lived near the factory, ahd about 2 a.m., while lying awake, saw the reflection of a fire. On, rising he awakened some of the neighbors and roused Steffensen. Close on half ail hour must have elapsed before the brigade arrived. Mr Hartnell called the brigade by 'phone, and witness went to Mr Robertas house to do likewise. .Ainsfc'Wo O'Neill gave evidence that the fire bell riSmr at '8 a.m., and that when hj" arrived the flames were practically subdued. Thomas Percy Smith, borough turnsaid that Steflcnsen's explanation as to the reason why lie could not get the water was quite feasible. In giving his decision, his Worship slated that there was no evidence to show how th(. fire originated.
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 71, 13 August 1914, Page 2
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556CORDIAL FACTORY FIRE. Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 71, 13 August 1914, Page 2
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