NAPIER THEATRE FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3249, 20 June 1911, Page 6

NAPIER THEATRE FIRE.

A GORONIAL INQUIRY.

JURY’S VERDICT AND RIDER.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

NAPIER, June 19

A coroner’s inquiry was held to-day into the circumstances attending the fire on June 6th, by which the Gaiety Theatre, used also as a motor garage, was completely destroyed. The jury found that the fire was caused by the ignition of the fumes of the benzine while filling the tank of a motor car, hut there was no evidence to show the cause of such ignition ; that the theatre was used as a motor garage by day and at night, and during the evening, as a kineimatograph place of entertainment; that approximately five or six cases of benzine were stored in close, proximity to the theatre; that the building was unsuitable as a place of public amusement by reason of the materials of which it was composed, its being, unsatisfactorily constructed with regard to exits> and. most unsatisfactory as a place of public amusement owing to its being used as a motor garage. ' The jury added the following rider:— That it be a recommendation to the Borough Council that, in view of possible outbreaks of fire in future,, such steps be immediately taken as will ensure the safety of the public before licenses are issued or reneived for places of public amusement.