FIRE IN SHOP

Southland Times, Issue 21717, 1 June 1932, Page 4

FIRE IN SHOP

CORONIAL INQUIRY. OWNER UNDER SUSPICION. . (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, May 31. “In my opinion the premises were deliberately set on fire, and in view of the short space of time which elapsed between the departure of the occupier and the discovery of the fire, strong suspicion rests on him,” said Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., at the inquiry to-day into a fire which occurred on February 29 in a draper’s shop at Rangiora, occupied by Edward Tennyson Smith Cameron. The evidence showed that the fire had occurred shortly after Cameron had locked the shop and left it. Cameron said he had left £2l in notes in the shop. Since starting business he had made a loss of about £3O. The stock was insured for £75. He thought somebody had hidden in the shop and set it on fire. The Coroner said there was no evidence to support the suggestion that a man had secreted himself and set tho shop on fire. The theory was discredited by the absence of motive. There was no evidence of theft and none of the neighbours appeared to have heard or seen such an individual.