RACECOURSE DISASTER
(Continued from page 7)
I gathered that ar. Messer and Mr. Wright both thought that it was their duty only to enforce regulations and not initiate, then and that they could
not be expected to be wise before the
event, but I submit, gentlemen, that every public officer entrusted with the care of the safety of the public should
기
that Be" any now regulations which he considers desirable, and should take step to ensure that his suggestions receive full consideration, instead of being consign
THE LESSERS
The next class who took upon themselves ach towards the safety of the public were the lessee, who for their own ends voluntarily undertook to erect sheds and invited the public at large to, come to their sheds, cither to sed the Races or to try their luck in the part-malelor
top floors were not satisfactory.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESE, TUESDAY, APRIL 9ra. 1918,
** near 10,* - Mr. Hodgson's statement
do that duty, however unpleasant and distasteful it might be. In the first place. he thought they would all be satisfied that the collapse cecurred before the fire. It was their paramount duty to consider what was the proximate cause of the collapse. In doing so it was necessary to One final word about the three-storeyed consider in the first place what were the Then with regard to the fire I would sheds upon which a great deal of criti preliminary arrangements made with the ask you to notice that a small fire might eism has been passed. Mr. Wright has lessees by the Government for the erection easily have occurred in the interior of pointed out that nearly all the sheds in of the stands. There was no doubt that any one of the matabeds without being 1914 wool three stored to they had the Public Works Department had no noticeable to the observers in the enclosure high basemente. The intrones in 1018 i right to go behind the regulations of the or on the course that such a fire would therefore trifling, and in 1910 there Buildings Ordinance. Those regulations inevitably produce a local panic, with were even sheds of four storeys which would have to be strictly adhered to. In the result above described. In this con- stood in safety view of the Buildings Ordinance and in
fiber that would be quite suficient to principle that you must treat the struc start a panic, with the consequent rush,ture as a whole, and the only improve to the exits and the concentration of the ment ho could suggest was the restore live load in a portion of the structure not tion of these raking struts at the rear prepared to receive it, and the consequent which the Public Works Department (in collapse of the abeds,
order to protect the turf) had forbidden tho contrastor to erect
Mr. Hill, two rehable witnesses, first saw |
sible. S
BIEDS NO. 8 AND 9
for
on the part of negligence
to
responsibility might amount to criminal,
No. 15, the Japanese shed, was of 1-2/3 the disaster, and in looking along a row floors with a 6-foot basement. The assis from any position it is most difficult to tant manager days there was a chatty in locate any point accurately his shed, but the fire came from 9 and The person who had the best views of the clearest unsatisfactory antifactor from the top floor was the collapse and has given
Carpaccount of it is Mr. lodgson, who was No. 10 was the highest shed of all in front of the row and obtained a more stories. No cooking was done in it, and or less central view of it. He told us there were no lamps. The exits from the positively that No. 14 movod fired, then No. 15 the people in these two sheds were Now all these shede except 1, 2 and 3 all moving about. These sheds seemed were open to the public in unlimited to push down all the sheds to the left numbers. Cush-awceps were drawn in (cept at the end) to pleno in most of them, and part-mutuels run. sheds pushed down were not moving The crows would naturally move from about bat appeared to fall with the sheds always be on the look-out for possible point to point as their attention was at No 16 was then dragged down. He in nection 1 submit that the evidence showReinsion, I submit gentlemen, view of the permit issued it was the duty risks and should suggest to the Powerstracted by the Races and the gambling mediately saw ɛmeke behind the tall shed clearly that, although the fiercest fire was that the only verdict you can find on of the Building Authority to reo that the alternately, subjecting the sheds to the with flags (No. 13) and three minutes round about No. 5, there were several is the legal evidence put before you is that sheds were built in accordance with the complicated strains of a very lively load later sax fames. He also said that the tinct fires in other positions. Sirdar the cause of death was suficcation, which provisions provided by law. In view of I you thought that any lessee permit sheds were very crowded at the time. Khan, Chief Inspector in the Police was either caused by collapse or fire, and that permit he argued that the Building ted overcrowding and thereby caused Mr. Witchell placed the first sign of Reserve, and very reliable withers, who that whatever neglect there may have Authority had what was known as a collapse you might consider that to collapse at No. 14 and 18 also, Warder was in No. 11, is positive that he first saw been on the part of others, whether in statutory dut imposed upon them to see amount to negligence by careless use of Wear at 16 and 16 Jr. Hamilton at fire at 13, 14 and 16. Mr. Stainfield and the shape of omitting precautions, portant the buildings were properly cus think that any lessce ed to a convenient pigeon-hole ooking uncoatedly caused many Colonel Ward told us that the first 12 and 1304 Mr. Nazarın xaw two fires, my ori,king, there is no evidence of respect by that Department the respon- started any of the bas, therefore, very strong support fire at No. 13, and Warder West between frog overcrowding, or recklessly using structed, If there was negligence in this 1 have already pointed out that the firea, which Director of Public Works and Capt. deaths, you might ring in a verdict 9 thing he noticed was a general rush away one in 8 and one in 10. Tin Fong and the contractors, who honestly and sibility fell on them. As to whether that Sus particular matter to take any I venture to subm that my clients could from the front of the sheds, then a rush Lom Wing Shing, who were watching the best of their knowledge and skill, responsibility was a question he was not Superintendent of Police had full power manslaughter against that person. But
in the stands themselves from N.E to from the road fear, the French Convent with good material and workmanship, regulations or conditions which they not be held responsible for any overs W. Ho thought that No. 8 fell first saw two distinct fires, and, they were in constructed sheds which would stand going to lay particular stresa upou
nt All He thought they would agree that. might (after conferring together) derm crowding, or for any Lususe of fire,
any they handed over the sheds to the lessees and in about 20 seconds he saw only black an excellent position for observation any strain which could reasonably be Why was the Buildings Ordinance passed it was passed for the safety of the publie necessary without waiting for
on completion, and had no control over smoke about the roof of 8 and 9 Jr Tam Hing Yam, who was in No, 13, rst anticipated.
Thomas also noticed the preliminary | saw freun No. 12. It is obvious that any - SUGGESTIONS. FOR THE FUTURE-- to see that everything which was required legislative authority.
the use to which the sheds were pre panic described, by Colonel Ward, whilst one of these fires, may have caused panic, That the conditions of letting to be done should be done. If there
Before dealing with the position of the contractors 1 should like to mention the roll describes a rush of the and it is probable that each of them Jace matched sites should be revised by should be thy omission on the part of electric light. The Superintendent of people in the stands to the front caused a number of deaths and for such the Director of Public Works anil Cap either the public or the P.W.D. in conneo- the Fire Brigado is responsible for the Mee Cheung saw white smoke within deaths my clients cannot be held respon- tain Superintendent of Police with ston with that Ordinance, penalties were
ten seconds of the collapse, he thought the
view to the safety of the public, and sub provided. They had heard in that Court safety of the lighting of theatres, etc..
mitted to the Legislative Council for many cases in which charges had been and there seems no reason why he should fire started near the centre of the row.
approval. His photographs taken within ten
brought by the P.W.D against people for reference not bave been consulted with
It is argued that the pile of bodies at That sites should be let to reapon omitting to do this or that and these seconds of each other, show that the fire
Novel that the condition of the ladies sible individuals only, subject to a cash people had been fined. If the public were proves that the collapse commenced theto, deposit as security for compliance with able to prosecution for any omission on but there is no inedical evidence to sup the conditions, which should be signed their part under the provisions of that Ordinance he submitted that the Build- port this theory. The death in the enso by lessees.
fire
that might have resulted either from col the sbede, should be widened and kept not seeing that the provisions of the These witnesses are typical, and their lapse or fre; and Dr. Macfarlane has clear of staircases, iron railings, Ordinance were not applied in this case peteries-cess and had nothing to do with my evidence goes to show panic, collapse and told you that the position of the legs does hawkers and other obstructions.
The Coroner: I don't know whether Are all happening, if not at the same not necessarily point to anffocation. That shores should be allowed at not prepared to argue that you can make that point clearer Mr. renders office boys and in the clients,
moment, at any rate within ng extra 1 suggest that the pile of bodies at No. the back of the sheds, precautions being howley was statutory obligation en tho Public Works Department. Whether it
ordinarily short interval of time. It is desirable for Government servants to have shares in these gambling-booths is It was the duty of the contractors to seems impossible to determine whether the Bachused by a combination of causes. taken to protect the turf. a_ question which I do not propose to construct reasonably safe sheds according panic caused the collapse, and the co! We know that the sheds fell towards
to their skill and experience, bit, in the mpre
No, but the top-foor of No, & in That the height, floor spare external arrangement and lighting of, The lessors had absolute control, ore words of Halsbury, it is suficient if caused the panic, and the panic caused the opposite direction--this gives us and the exits from, the sheds abed her d'Almeda I disagree with him. the design, dimensions, construction and reasonable precaution, and what is usual the collapse or whether the collapse double quantity at that point. Such con.
ci statutory obligation in the terms of the arrangement of the sheds-provided only and ordinary in such cases, be taken caused both panic and fire gestion would increase the panic and the approved by the Director of Public The Coroner: You say you find that
before erection. *- dionlty of getting out. The shed itself works and Captain Superintendent ci
permit arrator did not overstep the limits of They were not bound to insure the users Unfortunately, 370 persons who were a drongly constructed with ferest Police at the taber to be areciumo- the site plan. They controlled the sun of the sheds against extraordinary risk most concerned with these happenings of aprights, cross braces, staircases, ete dated on dach Hoor should be fixed by The Corner The permit says that the Berangements, sits, staircases and cour negligent or malicious injury to the about them, whilst the total destruction dificulties of extrication. Finally, we tain Superintendent of Polier and con with the terms of the Ordinance. The Py of Cestris light also cooking such us fire pacious nave perished and the beal destruction that its very strength agaiu added to the Up Director of Public Works and Cap person who receives a permit must comply ters. also the admission to and use of structures.
SALAAM of the sheds by fire has destroyed nearly the sheds. My clients could not inter you have seen the two managing all the evidence froin the shorts them know that the nerest fire started near spicuously displayed on each door, the permit does not go as far as to say that to a penalty if over-he Building Authority must enforce the fere in any of these details, except to
escape from this maas of struggling crowding occurs the extent pointed out by his Worship, partners of the Sze Hop, the old man and selvre. We are, therefore left to theories, this spot, and rendered the chances of lessee being subject to a penalty if
humanity practically It does not 7-That no fire or light (except elec provisions of the Ordinance namely, to warn the lessecs against a the young man. You have heard that the probabilities and possibilities.
follow however, that any of these persons trio, design which would result in an obvious-old man has been engaged in the prac
in the row. A properly isolated ly dangerous shed from the structuralical work of erecting scaffolding and
were killed by collapse, all of ally of any properly fixed) shall be allowed in for 10 years, and that the point of viewing W
Now with regard to the Lessees of the
them may have been killed by the fire. shed might be provided for refreshments. thede 1, 2 and 3, 4, 3, and 6 and 17, 18,
The pile of bodies at that point also and 19 there seems to be no ground for
moints to the fact that sheds 8 and 9 were complaint. No lives were lost in these
seriously overcrowded.
shes, and the exits appear to have been adequate There was no cooking in cautions against fire seem to have her taken by the lesser, he chatties- plated on the bare earth away from any woodwork, and barrels and buckets of
cash-sweeps subject, of course, to the Lesecus commission on the sale of tickets have already suggested that it would have been better to let the sites to sub
› subject: to stantial individuals only.
to the lighting of these sheds. Whilst you will, no doubt, have every confideriteColonel Young placed the beginning of in the work put in by the Hongkong Electric Company as detailed by the collapse at about No. 13. He noticed Graham, you may, I think, view with this whilst near the band, and as soon as
were installed by Chinese without
security, and you have heard that manyightchsign the fact that some of the he reached the slope to the course, he saw before you was due to suffocation, and 3.That the gangway at the back of ing Authority was able on its part for O were let to evndientes, some supervision. This was the work of the
comporduf
matcheds
THE CONTRACTORS,
PANIC
TEB
Building Authority in regard to these
Building Aut
Mr. d'Almada Ye
ng Authority bad not acted in accord- Mr. d'Almada contended, that the Build- Ange with the provisions of the Buildings Ordinance, as the Director of Publio arse-box that the law had not been applied Werks had himself admitted in the wib
in this particular case.
The original cause of a panic may be younger man, who is not a matshed of the most trifling nature, but, once builder by trade, recently took up his started, it spreads like wild-fire and
That the sheds should be passed by tain Superintendent of Police before the deceased's father's share in the business, cannot be stopped. I think there are
the Director of Public Works and Cap Races, and inspected by their officers and takes charge of the accounts and office many indications that on the 20th
daily during the Races, and
regularly work. It was suggested old Sze llop February the crowd was in such a mental was dead, and that his son was running condition that a panic was extremely FER EXPERTS
9-That no counters or other pro- the witnesa Kwok Kun hed the same the public nerves had received severe experts professional and amateur vision for the sale drawing or cashing shocks; first, the Gresson Street affray will Grst deal with those who criticised of tickets be allowed on any experience and control as his late partner which might cause anyone to expect the construction of the oatshedsun upper of the Fire d'Almada agreed with this view.
This firm employs from 10 to 80 foki robbery and violence at any mong Envourably
10-That detachment and has a large quantity of materials secondly, the earthquake, which caused
jobs of moring, scamolding, zenerally. The main earthquake shack
shuds 1 to 5, and in No. 6 adequate pre the business, but it has been proved that likely to occur. Shortly before that date Finally we come to the evidence of Patrolled by the Police visions of Section 222, legally or illegally,
er being
were at the doors and two detectives were.
The Coroter pointed out that the pro had been diapensed with, but no statutory duty had been omitted as far as be knew. After some further argument Mr..
With all respect to Colonel Ward, Brigade, with hose reddy
Racers, whole Continuing, Mr d'Almada said there opinion somewhat hastily. You will11 That until a proper hre service engaged. There is nothing to show that heavy ring, etc., and have always was followed by a number of slighter retsember that the gallant Colonel catné has been metalled at the Racecoursey, common law the malahed contractor any fire or panic originated in any ef eiver satisfaction. They undertake no shocks on successive days until people into Court, glanced at the model of No. rangements should be made for had to see that all due care and
At No. 7, there was no exis from other sand of business began to imagine earthquake at the 16, and said, Thero is the enuse of immediate and addjunto supply of sc the construction of
These glede
basement, which contained an oil lamp and a chatty but no fre buckets. This was the first of the three storey matsheds, hat it was well strutted fore and aft and probably would not have fallen had not others pushed or dragged it down
was a complicated shed both in No was n structure and arrangement; it over:
theatre
Chinese chatties were in use on the first sheds. You, gentlemen, have seen the two break of a new disease the mysterions conal bracing is a questionem, vte have because they would encroach on the golf
The brm has a well-earned reputation which its members are not likely to im peril by scamped work or faulty mate rial. With regard to the latter, you have heard that they spent $10,000 on new material last year, some 50 per cent, above their expenditure of previous years. Mr. Wright and Mr. Sara and all other lapped No.. on the first storey, and witnesses who saw the sheds express them the ground story was subirt for a cash selves as perfectly satisfied with the sweep Electric light was installed, and material and general appearance of the four, but four large, buckets of waitersheds at the Racecourse which did not were provided and sand was strewn collapet, and you have every day an under the chatties. Mr. Chatham con opportunity of seeing the substantial sidered the exits adequate.
nature of my clients work at the Old Mercantile Bank building in Ice House It has been suggested that the material was weakened by the drought, but there is no evidence on that point with regard to these mat day and theres that admit from your own experience that although drought may injuriously affect squared timber it has little effect on these sound polos which are practically in their natural condition.
tur this shed and No. 9 later on
ט
cooking in
and 2
he
all proper materials were used on the sheds, slightest movement or noise, and there is the
No, 18 by itself in water That the Water Authority should He submitted that there was no single collapse Now N
standing on end it is. evidence that the Chinese expected a like a
Superintendent architect or engineer in the Colony who of matsheds, top-heavy, but the
confer with the position and size of really knew the art or science of matshed
Police as to the third disaster
like a brick lying This nervous conditions may have taken as a whole,
matshed contractor. They had heard from the evidence of the Government accounted for the extraordinary story of on its broad side, which is not top heavy Fire Hydrants; which should be construction Everything was left to the the boy who heard people in the street At every point of the row the base was periodically fested by the Fire Brigade. calling out & warning against going to bronder than the height, the structure supplied the Fire Brigade should be officials that only a certain portion of Then we were told that the structure with maps and instructial de the matsheds, and for the presentiment
the had also heard from the contractor that and owing to the fact that the floors were. stations and duties of turncocks. which led Mr. ho War Tung to warn was faulty for want of diagonal braces to the position and size of hydrants, the the ground could be built upon. They bis family and acquaintances to avoid on different levels; but it was subseo of the Water Authority's telephone he could not put struts in certain places
lemonstrated that the provision three-storeyed matsneds Then the out-
14-That the re-float should be ineens If he had put struts there he spotted fever was another factor produc degree, and that you must regard the direct telephonic communication with the would have been liable to prosecution ing nervousness. Many witnesses have stricture as a whole and remember that fire station, and the Racecourse in direct But did they think it was properly his with the duty, if he knew these struts were testified to this nervous condition, and a diagonal brace at any point helps to telephonic communication
necessary to ask that authority should Government by many have told us that they thought at resist the thrust of the whole range to Central Police Station
of the Get the collapse was produced by dawards that points telephone in each bases be given him to insert these struts. Lacing submitted, earthquake, whilst Mr. da Silva expected Mr Messer told us that studied Gentlemen, I thank you very much the Golf Club He did
contractor was the earth to open its mouth and swallow mathematics, and that it he had hadice for your patient attention to my kind, and he (the speaker) sub him ungh
series of horizontals on a series of per marks, and apologies for the length of therefore, that the
equally responsible. The contractor was in the idea that the lashings were pendiculare and then gave a lateral time which I have thought it my duty the man who knew all about matshed being cut created a panic in the breast thru the structure would collapse-a to occupy,
construction; and he should have coen MR. D. V. STEAVENSON. A that the Government gave him permis of Mr. Li Po Lung, a worthy gentleman fairly elementary principle, which most of great intelligence, so that he forthwith of us learnt in our nurseries.
Mr. D. Steavenson, who appeared ion to put up the necessary materials withdrew himself and his family from ignored the lashings, but at last he had the shed. For the purpose of my argo to admit that each lashing afforded a for the lesseer of the Unity Stand-NOR 4 for the stability of those sheds. In con- to dilate upon what his learned ment with regard to panic, it does not certain amount of resistance to a lateral and 6-aid he did not propose to deal clusion. Me d'Almada said he did not matter whether the cutting actually took thrust, which amount must be multiplied with the evidence, which hind been very friend Mr. Bowley had already said
by the number of points lashed ahly and fully presented by Mr. Bowley with regard to the
Government, the Colonel Young had had no experience nor offer any criticism in the action of C.S. P.. or the Fire
ire Brigade: The in matshed construction, but be has built any of the Departments of the Govern- CBR. was not informed about anything For artillery, and was strong on ment. His interest in the proceedings in regard to the matsheds and he hack the theory of diagonal bracing Now, was, as they knew, on behalf of the owners no official latitation whatever as regard whatever stresses these matshe had to of the Unity Stand, and he submitted thated the Fio Brigade. The penisur quite stand they were not asked to stand that the evidence tended to show that as reagreed that the Fire Brigade should have of a tank or heavy howitzer crossing garded sheds Nox 4, 5 and 6 no negligence been present with all necessary ap them, or any of the special stre
etrains to
I propose to refer again to the struc. No. 6 was not remarkable in any way: it was stated that there was no cooking here, and the exity were considered adequate s sthere were only 12 floors,
No. 10 was a three-storied shed. This 1 the first Chineza shed, and was lot to a syndicate of 25, of whom no fewer than 10 were clerks, boys or coolics in the Pub he Work Department. The ground floor was sublet to another syndicate, also em ployed in the Public Works Department. The construction of these sheds was, place or not, so long as people thought it for the as a restaurant. The exits were carried out in the most public manner was going on. satisfactory. Electric light was install possible, in the most public place in the The entting theory should not, I sub- ed by a Chinese fire and, there were fires Colins there was no inducement to jerry-mit be dismissed lightly. There is the ground floor, an assistant in building, as the contractors (unlike the nothing impossible in it; the evidence of 10 ordinary builders) reserved the right to Li Fo Lang and his son is that they No 3, states positively that has remove the materials after the races, and heard the sound of cutting with a knife
3 iron stoves, and a large brass it was to their interest therefore, to a very characteristic sound quite distinct pan. This witness objected to the guard against any breakage or damage from the sound of breaking, and the boy which-bridges are subject; and we base or want of care could be assigned to the pliances, but the fact that certain lessces proximity of the stoves to his shed on The design of the sheds has been was familiar with it from watching evidence that the braces were sufficient owners of that stand. As Mr. Blake had had chatties for boiling tea did not Monday, and they were moved into the criticised and an attempt has been made bamboo men at work Colonel Young's for all ordinary purposes. Col. Young told them, the stand had been built in the bring any responsibility on them. There centre of No. 10. He first saw fire in the by several to throw all responsibility for statement that it involved the suicide of also criticised the apparent absence of a same manner for the last 18 years. It had were no provisions regarding such things, partition between Nos 9 and 10. I think the design apon the contractors I sub the cutter does not render the thory instrut in continuation of the line of the double uprights leading up to the upper nor was there any provision regarding urtant gard this evidence as riost mit that this is unfair. The contractors credible: there is even an historical pro- banks of No. 9. but I have since pointed Boortales and solid wooden counters limiting, the accommodation. There was substan- provided by the owners, and there were no reason why anyone and everyone were not given a free hand they were cedent for such a death in the story of out to you that there is a very sub in three large water harrels, and eight Sre should not go into the sheds if they wore partner in this shed, No. 10, Chunrestricted within certain narrow lines by Samson, who brought down upon himself t Si tong Crown Sorgeant in the the Public Works Department. In parti the house of the Philistines at Gan by line, is so near the line as to afford con buckets Two watchmen were stationed respectable
that each of at the door of the shed for the control The Coroner Are you asking the Police Heserve, who gave his evidence very clearly stated that when he first cul they were not allowed to put slop-pulling out the uprights, and slew at his siderable support. Also,
ing shores at the back, and in front they death more than he slewe in his life. And the lingonal braces sloping from NE of spectators and there were two detec jury for a verdict of criminal negligence saw the fire it was only one foot square, were pressed as close as possible to the we can very well imagine that a few to SW in the range from 14 to 9 takes tives on the stand during the whole of against the contractor
up the thrust as it comes along and the race meeting. So far as big clients Mr. d'Almada I am not asking them of water he could bave put it out on racing track If the contractors and not desperadoes bent on robbery might have relieves No. 9 of the greater part of it were concerned therefore, he thought, the for a verdict one way or another. I have other very significant statement Soo been restricted by the narrowness of the seized the opportunity, when all the Professor Middleton Smith and Mr.jury world come to the conclusion that placed before then what I consider the Chin office, coolie in the P.W.D., who ate it cannot be doubted that they would spectators were looking at the ponies Dyer both said that, having no data texasonable caution had been exercised, on the subject and what I consider also had a share in No. 10, stated that have inserted on each do and angle of assembling for the 5th Race, or watching go uron, they could only rely on the such as was ordinarily and customarily their responsibility and duty.
(as the witness told us) the drawing of experience of the contractor.
taken in looking after the interests of the the Coroner to Mr. Bowley Do 1 he was superintending the cooling in the sheds those raking, shores which are
Mr Chatham, Mr. Perkins, Mr. No: 10 at the time of the
such a familiar feature in Chinese mat the Champion Sweeps, of cutting the lash No 11. another Chinese
was notched constraction. They were bound to ings of the cross-bracings in one or more Wright and Mr. Sara, who have all had public. There was only one suggestion be understand you to argue that the con remarkable; it was of two storeys only follow their various employers instrue of the basements of the sheds. Such practical experience in matshed struc wished to make. His clients had asked matsheds erected in the future, that the cooking Two partners in this shed arrangements, staircases, and exits, to but near the edge, and it would be quite opinion that the matsheds were suffi Government would dirt what the irag no state that there was no tions with regard to dimensions and lashings are not in the middle of the ghet tures, all gave it as their considered him to suggest if they were to have tractor is clear of all liability if it is that they first enw the provide as mich opening in front as easy to cut with one of these sharp knives ciently strong for all ordinary purposes Government woul of In Go Club and Mr. Bowley I do not think the com state or between Gro near
and not possible and large entrances for the which the bamboo men use, and to slip Mr. Denison, an a
an abgetice in this also the six-foot matting fence should be tractor can be held responsible for fire the other side. on the
crowds at the back. They received no out before the shed fell. It would be still dent witness, who that of any other entirely removed. The Coroner: No, but suppose it as No 19 was a matshed
floors guidance, advice or assistance from the easier to vanish in the panic-stricken mob, Colony is longer for spectator and a basement & feet high Public Works Department or from any with much of the cash that must have itness, totally disagreed with Colonel
theory that the Hoors,
ou being exits were satisfactory, but several professional man but bad to work en been scattered, about. We are told that
different levels, afforda
To support; in Mr. Les d'Almada, who appeared for Witnesses may that a fire originated in irely by rate of thumb, and the light of much cash vanished we have no amforma he, went so far as to say that the the owners of stands Nos. and 8 and for Mr Bowley The cause of
cause of death must this shed.
experience. I submit that there is not tipn as to how much was burnt and how contrary was the case, and that since the the families of Mr. U Xavier and M. be the immediate cause of death, and if No
13
was similar to No. 12 with a
shadow of evidence to show that they rough stolen
floors were lashed to the uprights the Rosario and for the husband of Mre the immediate cause of death is fire there 7-foot basement the exits were satisfae-
Of course, no good policeman will difference in level afforded the latter Razack, recalled to the fury the oath is no liability tory and there is no evidence of cooking in any way failed in their duties,
admit the existance of a crime unless be more points of support” res
which they had taken and said he had The Coroner I only want to ask Two
has a clue, and no clue to the matshed Finally St Bird, who han har no doubt, if they considered it was their your position. Is that your position? quiters has been found the police, there considerabile expérience I now come to the collapse itself. We for are bound to pooh poob this theory, structures, and who gave his evidence in duty to condemn anyone, they would not Mr. Bowley: Yes
convincing way after hesitate to do it. As men of position in The enquity was then adjourned until have had this described by many observers If any damage was done either inten a very clear
Of all the data the Colony as men of high talent and Friday afternoon, when the Coroner will Most oftionally or accidentally to the structare a care from different standpoints.
surces on the understanding they would not hesitate to sum up.
and that if he had two or three buckets
but witness w early fire there.
watcher were engaged
Indian
from the upper doors were unsatisfet tory The ground floor was sublet, and there was a chatty there? Fire was also
ticed hero, at an xarly
No: 14 had 2 floors and the exte
TED COLLAPSE.
them could only obtain adelong views of which caused the partial collapse of a before
indepen
very
MI LEO DALMADA
shown that death was due to Gre and not collapse
shown that the final cause of death is
think that clears the com
fre. Do you liability criminal
ability