WAIROA FIRE CASE

Southland Times, Issue 21431, 27 June 1931, Page 6

WAIROA FIRE CASE

INSURANCE CLAIM

LENGTHY EVIDENCE CONCLUDED

ARCHITECT EXAMINED

(Per United Press Association.) Gisborne, June 26.

Further evidence in rebuttal of the case for the defence was given this morning when the Supreme Court continued the hearing of the claim for £77,850 by the Wairoa Meat Company against the NewZealand and Eagle Star Insurance Companies. Continuing his evidence, Edmund Anscombe detailed the results of his examination of plaintiffs’ buildings, stating that the damage revealed by photographs produced by the defence was largely caused by subsequent earthquakes on buildings, which had previously been damaged by fire. The cross-examipation of Mr Anscombe was continued this afternoon and this evening as to the examination of the building at Wairoa and the effect of the damage, much technical information being given. Alfred Gordon Nolan, recalled regarding a crack in the boiler-house shown in a photograph, said there was no appearance of it until after the fire. The wall of beef chipier according to the photograph showed a large bulge, but witness said it was there after the earthquake. Regarding photographs of columns on the mutton cooler floor, witness said the damage just after the earthquake was nothing like that shown, there being simply a small crack.

Objection against the admissibility of this evidence on the ground that the facts had not been referred to in plaintiff’s case was noted by the Judge. Herbert A. Westerhohne, architect, of Napier, said he was chief draughtsman for the Wairoa works. Samples of concrete were prepared and thorough tests carried out by Professor Scott. Witness gave details of the construction of various portions of the building. Ferro-concrete did not stand the subsequent shakes too well after being through the fire and earthquake. At 11.15 p.m. the evidence was completed and the Court adjourned till tomorrow. -