RECENT CHRISTCHURCH FIRE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 230, 22 June 1908, Page 8

RECENT CHRISTCHURCH FIRE.

OPENING. OF THE INQUIRY. [bt telegraph.—peess, association.] Chrlstohuroh, June 20. An inquiry concerning the outbreak of firo which occurred in Masters, and Sons' shop in High Street: on June was'commenced by Mr. H. W. Bishop, District Coroner, and a jury of six at tho Magistrate's Court today. Tho coroner said that the police had made certain representations to him in connection with the lire which occurred on the premises' of the drapers named Masters and Sons. The police, for reasons which would becomo apparent to the jury during tho inquiry, thought that a coroners' inquest should- he held, and there was a statutory provision made for an inquiry into a fire whero the circumstances appeared to warrant it. The jury were called together that morning for tho purpose of viewing tho premises. Tho police informed him last night they had held possession of the building since the firo occurred, as they considered thero were certain matters connected with the fire that should bo pointed out to the jury. At tho conclusion of their.- inspection tlje premises would be handed'back to the owner. Tuesday had been suggested to him as, a suitable date for contimiin<i tho inquiry, and he wished to know if that would suit tho jury. Mr. Hall, who was representing the fire Board, said in reply to a question that the inquiry wa3 purely a polico . matter, but if the police had not taken it up the Board would have asliud for. an inquiry.

The jury ' inspected the building and wero then discharged till 2.30 |P.m. on Tuesday.