THE CHRISTCHURCH FIRE.

Mataura Ensign, 18 January 1910, Page 2

THE CHRISTCHURCH FIRE.

AN OFFICIAL INQUIRY. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 18. An official inquiry into the firo w!iicl. occurred at the Cafe Cecil on January 4'is being held to-day. The first half-dozen witnesses gave formal evidence. Then evidence was given by a girl who discovered the firo, being awakened by the noise. Other employees denied_ any knowledge of the lire till their arrival on the scene next day. Superintendent Erck, of the lira brigade, said that the whole circumstance pointed to a deliberate attempt at incendiarism. The lessees of the cafe portion of the building said that notice had been given to them to quit 'and th y were about to open new premises. The business was paying handsomely ar.l their bank account was good and nil their debts were paid. The fire did not originate in the cafe but on the first floor in the premises occupied by Messrs Goyen and King, dentists. The inquiry is proceeding and is likely to be lengthy.