BITTER ATTACK

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1932, Page 5

BITTER ATTACK

BY CORONER ON POLICE AND INSURANCE COS* , (Pt Press Association — Copyright.} MARTON, November 22. At the inquiry into the cause of a fire at Follett Street, on September 30, the Coroner 'returned a verdict that the outbreak was designedly and wilfully caused by the owner and occupier, Mrs Myra Beatrice Avery. In the course df a lengthy statement, the Coroner attacked the practice of insurance companys accepting whatever value was named in the proposal together v\ith the premium, and then rejecting such value because of some condition not disclosed fill some time after. This was a close cousin to obtaining money under false pretences. The Coroner attacked the delay caused by the ’ Police Commissioner in giving instructions that his officers report the matter to him to see whether an inf fest were necessary. This decision was beyond the Commissioner’s authority, and it was not until the Coroner /issued a summons ’ against the Commissioner for the production of the papers that the matter was brought v to a head. Two hours after the issue of the summons lie had been asked to withdraw, and had done. so, provided the case proceeded without delay. ,

The Coroner concluded: “if the Commissioner of Police had not taken upon himself the duties of Coroner, and the matter been left in the hands of the local police, this inquest would have been held five or six weeks ago. One of the privileges of the police is to assist the people whenever .they can. In the present instance, owing to want of knowledge, or blundering, on the part of the Commissioner, the Department has been a hindrance and an annoyance.”