THE HAMILTON POST-OFFICE FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11200, 21 October 1899, Page 5

THE HAMILTON POST-OFFICE FIRE.

An inquiry was hold on Wednesday morning, before Mr. J. S. Bond, coroner, and a jury of six, as to the circumstances surrounding the lato fire. Mr. J. F. Lang, postmaster, estimated the value of the building destroyed at £500, and said thore was no insurance upon it. In his opinion, the fire was caused by lightning. John Charles McCrao, telegraphist, stated that on the night in question lie knocked off work about five minutes to nine p.m Ho had been frequently interrupted by lightning that evening. When leaving, ho turned off tho gas at the burner, but not at tho meter, and made the usual round of inspection, including tho mail room. There had for a fortnight previous been an escape of gas, but it was only just perceptible. He could form no opinion as to tho origin of the fire, but thought it likely, considering the stormy night, that it was caused by lightning. G. W. Juno deposed that shortly before twelve o'clock, on nearing tho post office, he heard the cry of fire, and described the subsequent scene. James Reid deposed to passing the building about a-quarter to twelve, and seeing a light, which ho took for an ordinary gas light. About a-quarter of an hour after this tho alarm gong went. He had not tho slightest doubt as to the fire having started in tho oflico. Mrs. Lye also gave evidence. Tho jury returned a vordiot that the fire was accidentally caused, but there was no evidence to show how it originated. I "