FIRE INQUIRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 9

FIRE INQUIRY.

WITNESS REPRIMANDED. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 2. The inquiry into the fire in the warehouse premises of Davidson and Co., Lichfield Street, in June last was Continued to-day. Allen McNeal Wilson, storeman, continued his evidence as to the stock in the warehouse at the time of the fire. He declared that no mail with experience of merchandise, knowing what was in the warehouse, could claim £2OOO for fire loss. R. J. G. Collins, stamp and handwriting expert, gave evidence as to alterations which he said had been made in invoices.

Ronald James Davidson, proprietor of the A.B.C. store and son oi W. Davidson, said lie estimated the stock in the warehouse at the time of the fire at £2OOO. Witness was examined about his signature on the proof of loss. He said that, although he was holder of most of the shares in Davidson and Co., his father and sister did most of the business. He said he signed the proof of loss in his office. Later he admitted he signed it while lying in bed at home suffering from an injured. ankle. He was severely reprimanded by the Coroner for failing to tell the truth. The Coroner accused him of “hedging and wriggling,” and adjourned the Court before the usual hour, saying perhaps witness’s memory might be more reliable at the next sitting. The hearing will be resumed on November 13.