BENZINE EXPLOSION

Evening Star, Issue 24103, 26 January 1942, Page 4

BENZINE EXPLOSION

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 26. lleggie Kenneth Kerr, a motor driver in the Post and Telegraph Department, gave evidence that his wife left home early on Saturday evening, intending to visit a friend,” Miss McKinnon, in Ivanhoe road, whom she often visited. Witness remained with the children and his father. About 11.35 a constable called, stating that his wife had been admitted to hospital. Witness found his wife quite conscious at the hospital. She said that on arriving in Ivanhoe road her friend was out, so she and a friend sat in the car awaiting her return. She did not say who the friend was. Witness did not question her, and tried to keep her mind off the incident. , Witness had never met Clark, but his wife had mentioned his name several times.

In the police report submitted to the coroner it was stated that three empty benzine tins, two of which had exploded, were, subsequently found in the car. The police said residents heard the sound of a dull explosion and subsequently saw Clark and Mrs Kerr with their clothing on fire. The inquest was adjourned.