GORE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1947, 18 June 1891, Page 18

GORE.

JONB 16.— A coronet's inquiry Into the cause of the stack-fire at Mr John Penney's was held yesterday. After a long sitting the Coroner, addressing the jury, said that there was no doubt the Penneys were better off since the insurance was paid than they were before the fire, but he oould not deteot anything in the evidence that would warrant a verdict that they wilfully set fire to tbe stacks. He recommended tho jury to make some remarks on the careless way in which Insurance risks were taken. In this case there bad not been the slightest inspection since the o ops were got in. He really thought that something should be done to prevent indls* criminate Insurance. The jury's verdict was as follows :— " The jury are of opinion that the stacks of John Penney were wilfully fired by some person or persons unknown, but there is no evidence to prove by whom. The jury would strongly condemn the frequency with which insurance companies accept risks and pay losses without sufficient investigation. Tbe jury are also of opinion that some evidence should have been ct>lled from tbe insurance office which accepted the risk on the grain." Additions. — Messrs Brewer and Trembath are cajling for tenders for extensive additions to tbe horse-bazaar whiob they have just bought from Mr tircen. It is tbe intention to make it 140 ft long and 80ft wide, and stalls will bs provided for 60 horses. Mobi Telephones.— A wire is to be put up between Gore and Waikaka -a convenience which will be of great value to Battlers 20 miles or so from Gore

Thikvbs.— Petty larceny has been rampant in and around Gore for some time past. It has now come to suoh a pass that even covers have been frequently stolen from the backs of horses and cows, and unfortunately the owners of the poor beasts are in several instances ill able to afford new covers twice during the -winter. If a thief can only be caught our J.P.s should certainly make an example of him instead of letting off " with ia reprimand," whioh is far too often the case in this colony. The " respectable parent " plea, whioh is sq often made an excuse for dismissal, should on the contrary be the very best of reasons for severe punishment. Licensing.— The committee for the Hokonui district met at the Gore Courthouse last Saturday, when all tbe applications were granted. Thebenoh drew the attention of the inspector to the necessity fur seeing that the stable and outhome accommodation was kept in good order. Mr Gr- M. Bell said that the latter in some of the Invercagill hotels was disgraceful, but he did not know whether any complaint could be made in this respect in the Gore dlstriob.^Jlhe inspector, promised to. attend to thematter.

About Time.— Some little stir is at last being made in regard to sanitary matters The very, centre of the town has long been notorious for its insufficient drainage and general filthiness, and it is only due to tbe frequent wind and rain that typhoid and diphtheria have not made havoo amongst the residents and their children. The borough council has at last decided to appoint a medical officer (an appointment that should certainly be compulsory on every local government),' and there' is now some slight chance of the risk 'to life or health being lessened for a time. ' " •