INQUEST ON THE FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 651, 28 April 1870, Page 2

INQUEST ON THE FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

An inquiry touching the origin of the fire in Colombo street, was held on the 20th inst. The premises in which the fire originated belonged to a Thomas Turner Brownell, and were insured for £l<oo, the stock being also insured for £SOO. The evidonce of W. L. Hawkins, agent for the insurance company, was that the building and stock immediately before the fire amounted in value to upwards of £9OO. He had an office partitioned off within the premises, aad had every means of forming a correct judgment. John Toyer, clerk and storeman to Brownell, stated he locked up the premises the night before the fire at eight o'clock, everything was secure. He kept the key of the front door in his possession, Mr Brownell having a second key with which he could also open the door. He was quite certain he locked up shortly before eight as he was in the Theatre at eight o'clock. The fire broke out about 1.15 the following morning. The evidence of a witness named Eliza Lumb pointed conclusively to some party having been on the premises after the departure of the storeman. Her evidence is as follows :—I recollect the evening preceding the fire at Mr Brownell's store. I had occasion to pass there about a quarter past nine o'clock. The clock had struck nine just before. I noticed a man immediately inside the door, either going in or coming out. I could not say which. I am quite sure as to the identity of the premises, and to its being after nine o'clock. There was no light in the building. The man appeared to be standing, as if uncertain what to do. I should not like to attempt to identify any one as the man, because I did not take any particular notice of him. I now wish I had done so. He was dressed in a respectable manner, and had on a dark coat. I am quite certain, from other incidents, that it was nine which the clock had struck. It could not possibly be seven or even eight o'clock. Other persons were with me, including a Mr Eraser, when the clock struck nine. The inquest was adjourned, lor the purpose of procuring further particulars, until the 3rd of May.