THE FIRE AT KAITANGATA.

[By Telegeaph.]

[FROM OUE OWJ6T COB.RESPONDENT.]

Baxclutha, April Gth. An inquest was held to-day at Murphy's Hotel, Kuitangata, before the Coroner, Dr J. G-. Smith, touching the cause of the fire by which Mr Reginald M'Donald's offices, timber, (EC, were destroyed. P. jl. Stoddart was elected foreman. Mr A. Bathgate conducted the enquiry on behalf of the Police. Reginald M'Donald volunteered his evidence, and was examined at length. The total amount of insurance upon the timber, stores, buildings, &c, was L 3980. Frederick Fuell, William M'Farlane, and Malcolm Morrison gave evidence, which disclosed that the lire was evidently wilfully done, at least in the two places which were discovered before much damage was done, and were extinguished by the witnesses. It appears that at the place referred to, turpentineandtsrhad been used, but tho attempt was badly bungled. Sergeant Daly and Detective Henderson gave evidence, but threw no further light upon the subject. Mr Bathgate addressed the Jury, after which they returned a verdict " That a store and a quantity of timber, the property of Reginald M'Donald residing at Ivaitangata, were wilfully set fir? to on the morning of the 4th, but by whom no ovidsnce was adduced to show." The enquiry lasted four hours.

A Press Agency telegram says :—Besides the premises destroyed, a timber store and a produce store had been set on fire by means of Hobart Town splits and a bag saturated with turpentine, but this was discovered, and extinguished before any damage was done. Two detectives have been engaged investigating the matter. The premises and shed burnt were fully insured.