UPPER HUTT FIRE
THE CORONER’S FINDING. CAUSED BY GELIGNITE, NOT ACETYLENE. [Per Exited Press Association.] WELLINGTON. April 28. In giving his verdict in the Hutt fire inquest the Coroner stated that two theories had been advanced as to the cause of the explosion. One of these was that it was due to the escape of acetylene gas, and tho other that it was due to gelignite. The acetylene gas theory was supported by Professor Easterfield, and opposed by Dr MacLanrin and two other witnesses. Putting positive elements against negative elements, in regard to the acetylene hypothesis one could, said tho Coroner, only come to tho conclusion that the explosion was not duo to acetylene gas. On tho evidence, his verdict was that the men who were killed died from injuries accidentally received in the explosion of gelignite at Benge and Pratt’s store, but the evidence was insufficient to show how the fire originated. The Coroner further said that the evidence wont to show t.lrtt Benge and_ Pratt were not aware that gelignite in any such quantities was stored in the place.
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Bibliographic details
Evening Star, Issue 15478, 28 April 1914, Page 6
Word Count
181UPPER HUTT FIRE Evening Star, Issue 15478, 28 April 1914, Page 6
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