INQUIRY INTO FIRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 248, 19 September 1932, Page 2

INQUIRY INTO FIRE.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 19. A fire which occurred in an Aro Street residence on July 12 was the subject of a magisterial inquiry conducted by the Coroner, Mr T. B. McNeil. The occupier, James H. Wood, and the insurance company were botn represented by counsel. Evidence was given that when the fire was put out a litter of shavings lay about the rooms and there was a smell of kerosfene. Mr Creeke, the deputy-superinten-dent of the brigade, said that the brigade made what was called a good save. When he examined the place after the fire he found that five rooms were covered over with shavings. The fumes coming from the building when the brigadesmen first arrived reek of kerosene and turpentine. Witness gave details of how shavings lay about the floor and tire furniture and how both the furniture and the walls were afterwards found to have been sprayed. August Willcening, a builder and tlie owner of the house, gave evidence as to having let the place to Wood at £2 per week. He said Wood had always kept up the payments. Witness mentioned that three months ago he had reduced the insurance from £I2OO to £IOOO. Ho knew of no enemies who would be likely to set it on fire. James H. Wood gave evidence that on July 11 he left with his wife arid child at 7.15 p.m., catching the boat for the South Island. He was a commercial traveller and was going on a trip to the West Coast. He remained in Christchurch till the following Saturday. It was a business and holiday trip. He did not go to the "West Coast as his wife was taken ill in Christchurch. When he left the house everything was secure. There would be no supply of benzine, turpentine or any other inflammable matter in the house. No shavings were kept about the place. He did not know of any enemies.

Detective. Waterson expressed the opinion that the fire had been started in at least three places and he was unable to ascertain where the shavings came from. Mr McNeil said it was so apparent that preparations had l>een made to burn the place down that it was deemed necessary to hold an inquiry. He had heard all. the available evidence and it did not seem that he oould come to any definite conclusion. He returned a formal finding that the premises had been found on fire. He was satisfied that it had been done deliberately, but there was no evidence to show who was responsible.