FIRE INQUIRY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20622, 25 November 1941, Page 9

FIRE INQUIRY

JOHN BURNS’ BLOCK OPENING OF HEARING STATEMENT FOR FIRM (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. The inquiry into the cause of the fire in the warehouse of John Burns and Company, Limited, on the morning of August 19. opened in the Magistrates Court building to-day before the commissioner, Mr. F. K. Hunt. There was a large array of counsel, representing various interests, and also representatives of the police and the Internal Affairs Departments. A statement on behalf of the firm was made by Mr R. M. Reed, counsel for John Burns and Company, Limited. He said that their block consisted of two buildings, that on Commerce and Customs street east being known as the Holdship Building and on the corner of Fort Street Lane and Customs street east being known as the Morton Building. Counsel described the fire escape facilities and said there was a fire alarm system throughout both buildings and also a fire hose and hydrant on eacli floor level by the main staircase connected with an adequate water supply. The lift well was faced on the south and west by brick walls and was the subject of customary inspection. The outer door was solid wood. After the fire, grease was still in the lower guides showing the fire had not reached it. Electrical System Disturbed

Mr. Reed said that owing to structural defects renovations and repairs had been carried out almost continuously under a general permit obtained in 1938. This work had disturbed the whole of the electrical system in the area and the electrician or his representatives were continually in the building. The fire alarm system was also disturbed and there occasionally had been false fire alarms. The company had complete confidence in the architests, contractors and sub-con-tractors.

Mr. Reed said he could obtain no evidence of an inspection having been carried out by the fire brigade.

Mr. A: K. North, representing the Fire Board: How long would that be? Mr. Reed: For the last seven years.

Mr. North: I have a report showing that Mr. Brash interviewed the fire brigade in November, 1940. The Commissioner: We will get that in the course of examination.

Mr. Reed said it had been suggested that the rapid spread of the flames was due to the use of cellulose paint on the walls and ceilings in the renovation work. The architects advised that no cellulose paint had been used in any part of the work. The firm could only suggest that old kauri timber, dried and seasoned, must be highly combustible. Terrific Heat Caused After the fire the electrician reported in writing that although one, or possibly two fuses of the same polarity had blown it was apparent that the arc between the contacts had been sustained. The electrician reported that this produced terrific heat, destroyed porcelain of the fuses and made it possible for the circuit wires to ignite the other circuit wires behind the switchboard. It was submitted that some responsible authority should insist that all switchboards on direct current should be encased in fire-resisting material. Had the firm been so forewarned, it would have taken steps to safeguard the property. The restored building was being served with alternating current and the main switchboard and the distribution switchboards would be installed in brick cubicles. The firm had confidence in the fire alarm system. The firm had already taken steps to provide more fire escapes for customers and staff in the reconstructed building. After an adjournment for an inspection of the premises Mr. Reed corrected his statement that there had been no casual or periodic inspection by the Fire Board. He was now informed by Mr. Brash, an employee of the firm, that twice since 1934 the brigade had made an inspection. Flash From Switchboard Patrick Joseph Delaney, a cleaner, said that he opened the premises about G o’clock and noticed nothing unusual. About 8.20 when cleaning on the ground floor he heard a loud explosion and saw a flash which came from the direction of the switchboard. He went upstairs to get the hose and was told by the late Mr. Baker not to use it because he might be electrocuted. He returned to the ground floor and saw' flames blazing by the switchboard. He obtained a ladder and broke the fire alarm in the ceiling. The brigade arrived about 10 minutes after the alarm was given. On arrival the brigade did not seem to be in any hurry and sat on the engine about one minute. They did not seem to think it was a real fire and appeared to hesitate. There were eight or 10 firemen. The brigade ladder would not reach the top floor. Replying to Mr. Goldstine, representing the Queensland Insurance Company, the witness said when he saw the men sitting on the engine he went to grab the hose but a fireman took it out of his hand.

In reply to Mr. North, the witness admitted he was a little excited.