AUCKLAND NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11887, 10 May 1899, Page 5

AUCKLAND NEWS.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 9.

The Mayor of , Auckland (Mr D. Goldie) has cabled to 1 Mr J. H. Witheford, who is now in Sydney, asking him to interview tho Postmaster-General of New South Wales with the view of-securing the support of the New South Waite Government in the effort to prevent any alteration in the New Zealand port of call for the Sari Frangfaco mail steamers. Tho-inquest into the origin of'the .firo at Ming Quong’s store, burned down-on, March 1, terminated to-day. The following was-the verdict : —“The jury is of opinion tSat there is no evidence to show that the store was wilfully burnt, or as to how the fire originated.” The following rider- was added: “The jury is of opinion that the amended claim as put in is correct, and as regards the first claim the great excitement raider which Ming Quong was suffering at times makes it sufficient reason for the mistake made in the claim. The jury further considers that the agents of the insurance companies interested are deserving of censure for taking such a large sum of insurance risk -without having first made a thorough inspection of the building and contents.”