THE GERALDINE FIRE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11227, 26 March 1897, Page 6

THE GERALDINE FIRE.

ARREST FOE ARSON. [Prom Our Coßßnsronnkkt."] ■ GERALDINE, March 25,

An inquiry touching the late fire at 'Webber's store, Geraldine, w"as held to-day before Mr H. Tv*. Bishop, S.M., and a jury of six, of whom Mr Mas! in was chosen foreman. Webber deposed that hs nnrchasecl the, /stock for .£934 at 12s in'the pound cash, •• and began business on Feb. 25. He was covered by £IOO insurance. Ho returned to the shop on the evening of the fire and lit two lamps, one in the shop and one in the office. He was carrying a lamp from the office to the drapery side of the shop, when a hanging loop came out and the lamp fell. The oil ran over the floor and ignited the curtain over the drapery and shelves. He tried in vain to put out the fire, but he had nothing to smotner it with. He put out the other lamp and ran out to give the alarm. He met two men outside, and asked them to ring the bell, and then called the neighbours. One neighbour stated that Webber was smoking w'hen lie called him. Another, Mr Pearpoint, late owner of the shop, said that he w-ent with Webber to the shop and wont in. He saw" two fires, one near the door and one at the back. Throw a bucket of Water on the former, and practically pub it out. Witness drew Webber’s attention to the second fire, and Webber told him to come put or he would be suffocated. Went out for another bucket of water, when Webber pulled ihe door to, thus looking it, and took out the key and ran away. When cailed, he said that he 1 was going to hurry up the brigade. When the brigade arrived, in very short time, the fire was all through the shop; ■ ’ The j nry found that the five had been wilfully caused by Webber, who was arrested And remanded till Tuesday. Bail was allowed, accused in £IOO and two sureties of £IOO each.