THE DUNEDIN FIRE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1128, 16 September 1879, Page 2

THE DUNEDIN FIRE.

INQUEST ON THE BODIES. DUNEDIN, Friday. An inquest on the bodies recovered in the ruins of Ross's Buildings was commenced to-day. Several of the bodies were identified. Others could not be found. One of the surviving daughters of Mr Wilson gave evidence. Her name was Louisa Maria Wilson, and she was not sworn, as she stated her parents did not believe in the Bible. She said: I was fifteen years old yesterday, and lived with my parents in the buildings. On Sunday night I slept in the next room to Maria, in No. 4. The servant and my sister slept there. The servant screamed out. I heard a noise of people running downstairs, trying to get out. I ran out into tho passage, but had to como back again, and lay my head on the bed on account of the heat. I then ran out again. A man (Mr Grant) took me downstairs. We went down by the centre stairs. The servant ran out of the room the first time, but we were obliged to turn back, as we could not breathe. When I left the second time, the servant was in the bedroom till I rolled out of the window. I thought father and mother had already gone downstaira. I never heard them say anything. My brothers — Bob and Fred— slept in i>To. 3. I saw no more of them. I have heard father say the stairs were not safe, as strange people coming up would not be able to find the stairs. The inquest was adjourned till Monday next.