The Auckland Fire.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 165, 20 June 1901, Page 4

The Auckland Fire.

Auckland, Jusfel7.

The adjourned inquiry into tie circumstances relating to the r cent disastrous fire at the Grand Hotel was proceeded with to-day. After nr die il evidence as to the condition of the persons injured on the night of the fire, Alexander Johnston, licensee of the hotel was called, and Irs examination lasted throughout the day. No fresh light was thrown on the origin of the fire, but Johnston sUted tint by the tint) ha succeeded w getting his wife and son into a place of safety, Ihe flames had spread to such an extent .that it w-s impossible tho other children, all approaches to th or quarters hiving b?en completely cut off. At the inquest into the Grand Hctal fire, Mr Johnston, licensee, gave several reasons for his belief that tho fire started in the dining-room, not in the ki'chen.

He said there was another reason, but he feared if he gave it he might be had up for s ! ander. He was assured by the Coroner that ttatements on oath were privileged, but after consulting his solicitor Mr Johnston decided to say nothing further on that point. Mr Johnston, further pressed, referred to the action for slander brought by bis wife against an employee in March, then ad journal, and discontinued since the fire.

The Coroner said there was nothing in all this.

On being recalled, Alex. Johnston alleged incendiarism, and pointed out that certain keys were found to be missing before the night of the fire, wlrle on the night of the outbreak certain Windows were found to be open. The chief oook, Madame Winters, stated that on the night of the fire she heard scuffling and quarrelling ia the dining-room, and a man’s voice calling out “ Where are yon ? Where are the keys ?” On going out to investigate she saw strange men in the passage, who had their faces from her.

The night porter, Jones, was the on’y ether witness called. He denied the presence of strangers on the premises, and stated that'he heard no noise as of men quarrelling, as alleged by Midame Winters.

The inquiry was then adjourned till the 27th inst.