FIRE INQUIRY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19943, 30 October 1934, Page 5

FIRE INQUIRY

EVIDENCE UNFINISHED Bv Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH. October 29. The long inquiry into the origin of a fire at the warehouse of Davidson and Co., Ltd., 168 Lichfield Street, early on the morning of June 8, was continued before Mr E. D. Mosley. Coroner. This is the third day of the hearing. Continuing his evidence. A. E. Smith, Insurance adjuster, said that when the lists had been prepared there was shown a balance of £995, representing the stock that had disappeared completely, leaving no trace. Witness asked for details concerning that stock, but those Davidson could not supply. Witness told Davidson that his bare word would not be taken, and asked him for a declaration. Davidson, in a statement said his son was the owner of Davidson and Co. Ltd., holding 1249 of the £1 shares, Davidson himself holding only one £1 share. On June 7 there were goods in the warehouse to the value of £2115. He showed the value of the stock which had been entirely consumed as £995. Evidence was given by several witnesses as to the transactions of their firms with Davidson and Co. The inquiry was adjaurned until tomorrow.