Adjourned Inquest.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 203, 2 October 1888, Page 2

Adjourned Inquest.

The adjourned inquest into the circumstances connected with the destruction by tire of the Star Brewery was held at the Courthouse yesterday, before Mr J. Booth, Coroner, and the following jury;—G. R. Moore (foreman), A. J. Cooper, W. Pettie, W. Good, G. Watson, T. Sweet. Adam Knox, recalled and resworn : From the time he went to bed on the night before the fire he did not leave his bouse until next morning. By Mr Brassey; Was not at Matawhero between ten and twelve o’clock on the night of the 18th, nor was he in town. Did not rise from his bed until next morning when he got up to come into town. Could not say what time he reached town on the morning of the 19th. Could not remember whether he went into the Masonic Hotel that morning. Had not a watch with him that morning. Remember speaking to Mr Orott that morning. Went to Makaraka with Mr Croft and him (Mr Brassey). Could not tell what time it was. Was not a fact that the first he saw of his brother that morning was on Kaiti. Mr Brassey said witness had had ample caution, and it was a pity he could not remember what occurred. Mr Booth again cautioned the witness, and said he would have opportunity of correcting any statements he had made. After he had left the box it would be ton late. Patrick Mooney, laborer; Lived next to the Star Brewery. Went to bed at 11 o’clock on the night of the 18th. Was in the section of the brewery that night. Was putting his mare in the paddock. Got permission to keep his horse there for keeping an eye the brewery. Tho brewery was kept looked* Received no money for looking after the place. Was taking care of it for eight or nine months. Had seen Adam and Robert Knox at the brewery several times. There was nobody about when he was in the section that night. Everything appeared to be sate. He was awakened by his wife, who asked him what the noise was. He said he thought it was the sea. He jumped out of bed and opened the door, and saw the brewery was on tire. Fire was breaking through the roof when ha saw it. Tlib front walls were not on fire. He and Robinson, whom he called, did not do anything, but merely watched their own places. Saw no one about when he went out, Had a oonversation withß. Knox a few days after the fire, and Knox asked him if he had any idea how the place o night fire. He replied that he had not. Did not think that anyone else came to the fire before tho bell rung. By the Foreman: The tank outside was pret'y full. Could not say whether the upper tanks were. By Mr Brassey: Was at Makauri on ths 18th. Got home about seven o’clock. Was down town that evening. Did not eee Adam Knox in town. Had never kept the keys of the brewery. Alex Robertson, gave similar evidence te that given by the last witness. Sergeant Bullen said he would have to ask for another adjournment, as Mr Croft had gone away by Sunday’s boat, and his evidence was indispensable. The Coroner said in that case the enquiry would have to ba adjourned for a fortnight as he had to leave for the Coast on Friday, and would probably be away for a week. The Foreman thought the police should have informed Mr Croft that his evidence was necessary. One of the jurymen wished to leave for Auckland in about a fortnight, and he (the Foreman) thought it quite probable that he should require to be in Auckland about the same time. The Coroner then adjourned the ease to Monday, October 15, and the jury were bound over to be present on that date.