DUNEDIN.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3353, 20 September 1879, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

Last night. The Dunedin Fire Inquiry.

The following is the Terdict of twelre of a jury on the Octagon fire:—" The fire which occurred at Ross' buildings on the morning of the Bth inst was the wilful act of Wm. Waters "—Adding (1). The jury find that the buildings, from their construction were calculated to burn rapidly and fiercely when once the fire got hold; that as a fact it did burn exceedingly quick, and that in a very few minutes the whole of the buildings were filled with flames and dense smoke; from this cause arose the (treat loss of life. (2). That the design of the building was bad, inasmuch as the interior passages were bewildering even in daylight, and necessarily much more so to paniostncken people awoke in tha dead of the night; the staircases were unsuitable and not sufficiently wide fora building of such demension's} (3). The jury desires to point out that in this instance, if even the floor portions had been carried completely across the building, and up to the roof with folding spring doors where passages passed through, it is most probable that time would hare been afforded to the whole of inmates of middle and southern portions; (4). The jury wish most earnestly to draw attention to the careless manner in which valuations are frequently made by the insurance offices, in this case the insurance was at least double what it should have been, the jury holding it to be a sin and a shame to tempt men to solve in such an easy manner any difficulties which may occur in their position", it being more easy to prevent fires than extinguishing them ; (5.) That a lodginghouse Act is now required for Dunedin ; (6.) As the evidence at the inquest goes to show that the fire brigades were promptly on the ground, and worked skilfully and energetically, yet some delay occurred owing to the present fire brigade station being new, and certain difficulties of access and exit, but as these are in process of being greatly improved delays will not probably occur again ; (7.) The jury recommend that sleeping accommodation at the head station should be utilised by members whom it would suit to sleep there, and that two of these should be drivers having charge of two horses always in the itables ready harnessed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (8). They also recommend that the various stations and towers be placed in telegraphic communication; (9.) The jury find that the fire escape was ia perfect order at the central station when the late disaster occurred, but it appears to be very difficult; to manage by untrained hands, and not all easy to move about, save on very level ground, and that it may be really useful when required, it should be stationed at tb§ Octagon, botwaen the

hours of 8 p.m., and 6 a.m., in charge of a man who thoroughly understands its working. Perhaps 3 lighter and more easily managed ones would be better than the present one; (10.) The jury in concluding this subject wish to Ray there are so many considerations to b^ taken into account in discussing the question of the best form of the organisation of fire brigades that the time at their disposal only warrants a note being taken of a few of the urgent necessary alterations. The verdict was then formally recorded and signed. *

The jury on the inquest returned the following verdict: —" The fire at Bos*' buildings, the Octagon was the wilful act of William Waters."

The Coroner: " That is tantamount to a verdict of wilful murder against him;"

The Foreman : " We do not believe he had any desire to cause loss of life, probably believing that the people would he driven out by the smoke."

The Coroner : •" Then on your verdict I commit the prisoner to take his trial at the next Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court"

The priioner who . appeared greatly agitated on being approached by a couple of gaol warders, requested to be taken out of the hotel by means of the back passage, saying that he did not wish to be gazed at by the crowd. Having been assured that he need not be apprehensive of sustaining any harm, he put on hit overcoat and hat and muffled himself up closely, and after being handcuffed was removed to gaol from the back of the hotel.

Mr J. B. Bradshaw reports: —Colonial Banks 42s 8d to 435, National Bank 62s 6d, National Insurance 325; Union Insurance 13s, Standard Insurance 11s, South British Insurance 18s 6d.

The unemployed are in large numbers taking advantage of the opportunity to obtain work given them yesterday by the City Council and the Public Works Department. < Dunedia Markets. Wheat 4s 6d to 4s 9d, fowls' wheat 3s 3d to 3s 6d, oats 2s to 2s 3d, barley 5s to 5s 6d, feed 3s to 3s 6d; potatoes £5, kidney seed £7 10s, round white £7, hay £4, chaff £4 to £4 10s, straw £2 Ss, bran £4 ss, pollard £5 10s. Flour, .large sacks, £11 to £1110s; oatmeal £13 10s, pearl barley £26, onions Is 4d, cheese Bi, bacon (rolled) B£d. Prime fat beef 30s per lOOlbs, mutton 2}d per lb.