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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8125, 23 March 1887, Page 4 (Supplement)

An inquest was held at 2 p m. on March Q< at the Hospital, before BL Beetham, Esq. Coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr C. S. Howell was chosen foreman, touching the’ death of Robert M'Pherson. The evidenceshowed that the building burned down yesterdayjmorning had twice caught fire six: months ago through a defective chimney in. connection with the bottling engine ; butthis chimney had since been rebuilt, andl- - roof covered with galvanised iron. The evidence also showed that the fire* under the boiler had been carefully raked out on the afternoon preceding the outbreak ; and there was nothing to show how the fire originated. With regard.to the* death of Mr M'Fherson, the facts elicited* showed that he was seen in the yard' at the back .of the house, after thealarm was given; the supposition beingthat be returned to emure thqsafefcy of ids' children, and was suffocated’ The jury returned a verdict of ** Accidentallyburned.” The Coroner suggested that if thejury thought fit, a recommendation should be adopted to the effect that persons using steam engines on their premises should be subject to some sort of supervision by the City Council. The jury unanimously adopted the suggestion.