Cry “Fire!”

Destructive fires in Taree were not unusual. But were they all accidental?

In the early hours of Tuesday 13 February 1923, a fire broke out in property owned by Mark Connell in Victoria Street, Taree. The premises were tenanted; those most affected being Daniel Quinn’s billiard saloon, W B Batger’s tailoring shop and J L Catt’s hairdressing business. Little could be saved.¹

Police mounted an investigation into the cause of the fire, followed by an inquest chaired by Mr George B Morris. Quinn’s insurance company refused to deal with his claim until the results of the inquest were known.²

Contradictory evidence was presented. Witnesses told of an anonymous letter received by Connell warning him of a possible fire. This Connell denied.³

Guests at Riddett’s hotel (Exchange Hotel) next door, who were woken by the fire, were sure that it had started in the billiard saloon, while Edward Ladd, of the fire brigade, said that it had started in the tailor’s shop.⁴

Another witness, Mrs Kitty Franki, stated that she had seen two men running from the area shortly after the fire broke out. She also said that she had been threatened with violence if she testified at the inquest.⁵

The coroner returned an open verdict. So, was it an accident – the police and insurance companies didn’t think so.⁶

Author: Penny Teerman