FIRES.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14513, 20 December 1912, Page 7

FIRES.

APRON FACTORY DAMAGED

LONDON, December 19. A fire in an apron manufactory at Nottingham did damage to tho extent of £70,000, and throw hundreds of hands out of work.

OUTBREAK AT HORNBY

Early yesterday morning "Woodcote." on# of the best known homes in Hornbj", was destroyed by fire. The house was one of sixteen rooms, and was for a long time tho home of tho late Mr Thomas Bassett, and was sold at auction to Mr Bailey, going at a very low figure. About a week ago Mr Bailey resold to Mr Fenver. wiio took possession two days ago. The place was unoccupied and unfurnished at the time the fire broke out. The firo started in the western wing, and fanned by the easterly gale, made progress which could not bo staved by the residents, who laboured hard with the water supply Available-. They were able to save the outbuildings, though they were on fire several ttmos, with the exception of the one furthest from the house. It is understood that the place was insured, though neither the amount nor the name of the office is at present available.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) INVERCARGILL, December 19. In piving his verdict at the enquiry into the fire at Johnston's foundry, tho Coroner (Mr Cruickshank, S.M.) said tho evidence showed that the fire started in the office, and as £"•! odd was missing, the office was entered for the purpose of robbery. The safe had been opened by the thief with keys. It hc-S not been conclusively proved that the thief had entered by unlocking the door, but there was a strong presumption that ho did. The office was clearly set on fire either purposely or accidentally by someone who had a key to the door. Although the circumstanes were suspicious, there was no conclusive evidence showing who was the culprit.