ACCIDENTALLY BURNT TO DEATH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8322, 31 December 1906, Page 5

ACCIDENTALLY BURNT TO DEATH.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 30,

The inquest touching the death of Thomas Laidlow, who was burned to death at the fire in Madras Street on the night of the 24th inst., was resumed to-day. Evidence was given that the deceased was under the influence of liquor when he went to bed the previous evening. A witness, named Edward Bourdot, said that a man named Wilson, owner of the premises had joked to him some time ago about the woman who then occupied the house that was subsequently burned. He said "It would be worth £25 to burn her," meaning that she was such a nuisance. At a later date witness said that he would get £25 from Wilson but he was only joking. His shop was next to Ingham's house. Witness went to his shop on the night of the fire. He expected to find some letters there. He lighted a candle on entering the shop, but blew out the candle before leaving. Wilson, who was called, denied having said anything to Bourdot about £25.

The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said the evidence given was not satisfactory. The house was absolutely unfit to be let for a lodginghouse. He thought that steps should be taken to regulate the keeping of houses of this kind as lodging-houses. It was to his mind inconceivable that three people seated in a room next to the outbreak did not discover the presence of the fire until it was raging- \ A verdict was. returned that the deceased was accidentally burned to death.