SPARKS FROM ENGINES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 161, 24 June 1935, Page 7

SPARKS FROM ENGINES

Railway Responsibility

ALLEGED FIRE DANGER

Inquiry Into Timber Mill Blaze (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 24. An inquiry was opened to-day by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., as coroner, into a fire which destroyed a timber mill at Morningside on December I, 1934. The inquiry was instituted by the Auckland Fire Board, whose counsel said at the opening that lie hoped it would bo an inquiry into the safety measures taken by tho Railway Department. The lire was a very expensive one and tho hoard was very apprehensive as to the damage that might occur next summer unless something were done to minimise the risk. The evidence would allow that the fire originated immediately after tho passing of a train. It spread through, grass aud attacked the mill, which was rapidly alight. Evidence would also be given as to the number of fires allegedly caused by locomotives. Counsel for the Railway Department protested that it must not be assumed as a certainty that a locomotive started the Morningside fire. Counsel for the board replied that if that was established they should inquire as to further steps which should be taken to prevent a recurrence. Evidence was given by a woman that on the afternoon of the fire as soon as a train passed slie smelt the smoke of grass burning. Afterwards she saw smoko rising on tho mill side of the railway embankment. The mill was not then alight, but she ran to get her husband to beat the fire out. Witness said that grass fires in the locality were frequent. (Proceeding).