CHRISTCHURCH FIRE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 281, 26 October 1934, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH FIRE

CORONER’S INQUIRY. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 25. At the Coroner’s inquiry into the circumstances of a fire at the premises of Messrs Davidson and Co., provision merchants, at 168 Lichfield Street on June 8. William Davidson said that on March 1 the company was registered as the Davidson Co., Ltd.; previously it had been known as Davidson and Co. He produced books to show his stock at the time of the fire.

Noel L. Bowman, manager of the Christchurch branch of the Guardian Insurance Company, said a policy had been issued to Davidson and Co. in 1931 giving £SOO cover on the contents and £IOO on the office equipment. Later a policy was issued giving cover up to £1250. Davidson after the fire made a claim showing the loss at £2113, less salvage £95. After the report of its adjuster his company repudiated the claim.

Frederick Stewart Grant, manager of the Union Assurance Society, said on February 8, 1932, a policy for £750 fire risk was issued to Davidson at 61 Bealey Avenue. The policy afforded a 10 per cent, cover if the‘furnishings were destroyed in certain premises away from the dwelling. In June last he received a notice from Davidson making a claim of £25 for loss in respect of goods lost by fire in the business premises. Davidson said 100 books had been destroyed, but witness did not see any trace of books partly burned, and witness did not consider the fire bad enough to destroy them totally. Davidson’s claim had not been settled.

Henry William Copley, night-watch-man, said Davidson had called at his home. He produced a statement saying that witness had not seen Davidson’s car outside his office from 11 to 12.30 on the night of the fire, and asked witness to sign it. Witness replied that he did not then know Davidson’s office, and would not have noticed the car in the street.

The inquiry was adjourned till tomorrow.