BUNDED BY SMOKE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22571, 26 February 1948, Page 6

BUNDED BY SMOKE

HAD TO_ CRAWL RAPID SPREAD OF FIRE INFLAMMABLE GASES? (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 26. Cross-examined by Mr. A. C. Perry, representing unions of workers, Officer C. E. W. Stevenson said he crawled at least 70 feet f o the end of the alley and was practically blind when he dropped to his hands and knees. It would fake considerable time. It was only recently that he knew he was at tlie top of the stairs. There was nothing fo indicate where the stairs were. In re-examination. Mr. G. G. G. Watson. for the Crown, asked witness: ‘ Can you as an experienced fireman explain that what hapnened to be an indolent fire became 10 minutes later a conflagration?” Witness: The only suggestion I can offer is that some inflammable gases had been generated and were dispersed through the building, and for some reason not known to myself were suddenly icnited I did hear a reference to nanthalene stored in the basement and I think that under hot conditions it is a dangerous substance, but I ' hink these matters can better be left to the experts. “Do you know that napthalenc was a white powder for killing moths and was in tins which were salvaged intact and auctioned?”—l did not know that. Given permission by Hie chairman, Sir Harold Johnston, to make a statement as he finished his evidence, Stevenson said he wished to pay a tribute to the volunteers who had assisted him. He. personally, appreciated their assistance very much. The chairman: 1 am glad to hear that.