The evidence in this enquiry does not disclose what was the immediate cause of the collapse of 10-12 Cochrane Street on the night of the 14th day of August, 1901.
The following conditions and circumstances in my opinion probably contributed to the said collapse:
1) The existence of a blacksmith-shop on the ground floor of 10-12 Cochrane Street. It was proved in evidence that vibration has a tendency to weaken the walls of a house.
2) On the ground floor of 12-14 Cochrane Street was a cockloft used by the tenant, who was a contractor, for storing timber on access planks.
3) The defective construction of the party wall between 10-12 and 12-14 Cochrane Street. It was proved in evidence that the said party wall was badly bonded and that the heart of the said wall was hollow and filled up with small pieces of bricks.
4) The existence of an extra story which was put on each of the said houses six or seven months prior to the collapse.
5) That the showery weather prior to the collapse...