Napier News.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 284, 11 December 1901, Page 2

Napier News.

THE WAIMATE FIRE.

[By Telegraph—Press Association,

Napier, last night. This afternoon Mr A. Turnbull, S.M., announced the findings of tho Court in the Magisterial inquiry into tho circumstances connected with the recent tiro on board the s.s. Waimate. His Worship found as follows : “ That tho fire broke out in the flax stowed in No. 4 hold between decks, but there is no evidence to show how the same originated. I find that every available means were taken to promptly extinguish the fire, but owing to the Harbor Board’s watchman reporting to the Harbormaster that only one rocket had been sent up the captain did not receive the prompt assistance from the shore ho expected. The evidence shows that at least six rockets wero sent up, and it was not until the steam whistle was blown about an hour afterwards that assistance came from tho shore. I find also that there were on board the usual appliances for fire extinguishing purpose ; same as those fitted on all vessels of a similar class. The appliances on this vessel wero passed on tho 27th July, 1901, by the Board of Trade under the Passengers Act. Tho assessors concurred with tho report.

SANITARY MATTERS. Regarding tho Borough Council decisions in respect to the Government Health Officer's recommendations, these provide for compulsory water closets in the borough within the next two years, and where deemed necessary by the sanitary authority. The system is to bo enforced immediately in thickly-populated parts of the town.