THE FIRE AT AHAURA

Grey River Argus, Volume 21, Issue 3058, 4 June 1878, Page 2

THE FIRE AT AHAURA

An inquest was held by E. Shaw, R.M., Coroner, on Friday, May 31, 1878,. to enquire into the circumstance of the^burning of the offices of Mr R. Reeves. The Coroner stated that it had been deemed necessary to hold an inquiry as to the origin of the late fire, as Mr. Reeve 3 wae the custodian of many important documents, and the property, he understood, of some of those companies had been consumed, while the register books of some of them had been likewise destroyed. It was not to be concluded because an enquiry was held that it followed there were suspicious circumstances known to the authorities, but as Mr Reeves was the manager of several companies, and as a fire, he was happy to remark, was of rare occurrence in these parts, it was desirable that au enquiry should be held.

Mr Wright was elected foreman, and after the jury had inspected the scene of the late conflagration the following evidence was taken : —

R. H. J, Reeves : I am an auctioneer, residing afc Ahaura. I occupied a tenement in Camp street. There were three rooms, two of which were furnished. I recollect lasfc night. Was in the office about 1 o'clock in the morning ; was replying to correspondence, There was a wood fire then. There was an iron chimney and a brick hearth and hob, though the chimney was not lined. There was a kerosene lamp ; I believe I extinguished it on leaving. I did not observe the fire, but am certain there was but little when I left the office. I put a few sticks on the fire, but not many. I did not observe any fire when I left, and I went to bed. I was informed by my son that my office was on fire. I put on my boots, trousers, &c, and on coming out discovered, the place was all in flames. In the building there were the books of the Riverview Mining Company, the Moonlight Prospecting Association, Working Miners Company, Hochstetter Gold ".Mining Company, and two other companies about being registered at Orwell Creek ; tha books of the Church Committee, paper

connected with the Public Trustee, two cash boxes and promissory notes accepted, and a number of cheques and other securities ; Ll7 were in one of the cash boxes. The building- was insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company, but not the effects. I estimate my loss, at Ll5O. I cannot account for the fire other than that I presume the fire originated about the hearth. When I came out the place was all in flames. The, building stood alone. I am satisfied the fire was the result of accident. When I came out o my dwelling, which is no great distance from the office, the flames were breaking throuah the roof. The building waa speedily consumed. J. Harrison and other witnesses were called, bnfc their evidence threw --no additbnal light upon the matter, and after a few remarks from the Coroner the jury retired, and returned an open verdict to tbe effect that there was no evidence to show how the fire originated.

This was the only building destroyed, and credit is due to Messrs Burrowes and Brooks for their exertions in saving the stables.