An inquest was held on February 19 at the Mintaro Hotel, to enquire into the cause of the fire which occurred at the Mintaro Slate Quarry on the night of the 17th instant. Mr. F. Treloar, J .P., was Coroner, and Mr. C. E. Anthony Foreman of the Jury. Mr. W. E. Giles appeared on behalf of the South Australian Insurance Company. The following verdict was retained:—”That the Jury consider that the haystacks, the property of Mr. Thompson Priest, were wilfully and maliciously set fire to by some person or persons unknown on the night of the 17th instant ; also that Messrs. Long and White deserve credit for endeavoring (sic) to save the property.”
