Page 11 - RD_Dec2012.pdf

The Raycophone Factory at 62 Booth Street Annandale, Sydney

NEWS FROM THE PAST – Submitted by David Donaldson

THE CINEMA DISASTER
Dramatic actions followed the inquest on the recent cinema disaster at

Drumcollogher (Ireland). The operator, Patrick Downey, and the owner,
William Forde, were arrested after the coroner's verdict that they had been
guilty of carelessness. Downey and Forde appeared at the inquest each with
a hand heavily bandaged. A police sergeant gave evidence that Downey
made an attempt to re-enter the burning building, but that he (witness)
prevented him. Two other witnesses stated that there were naked candles
within a few feet of the rolls of film. One saw a candle fall on the table,
instantly igniting a film. Every day there are pathetic scenes in the village,
relatives of the victims lamenting beside the common grave under a
weeping willow.

EMOTION AT THE INQUEST.

There were touching incidents towards the close of the Drumcollogher
inquest. Forde heard the proceedings huddled in a corner. Bessie Downey,
the wife of the operator, burst into tears, flinging her arms around her
husband when manslaughter was mentioned. The court was full of bereaved,
but they seemed to forget their sorrow in the face of Forde's and Downey's
ordeal. The coroner, overcome with emotion, also shed tears and decided
not to call further evidence, declaring, "we all know how it happened and we
are all heart-broken. How can you blame anyone? I do not think it is your
duty to find anyone guilty."
Later-- Forde and Downey were remanded, charged with manslaughter.

-- as published by The Examiner (Launceston, Tas.) on 15 Sep 1926