ALLEGED ARSON

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 60, 21 December 1935, Page 7

ALLEGED ARSON

BURNING OF AN HOTEL. evidence as to insurance. i (Per Press Association.) PALAIERSTON N., December 20. The hearing is proceeding before Justices of the Peace of a charge against Douglas Henry Colin Baker, a breAver, that on or about Alay 8, 1933, lie committed arson by Avilfully setting fire to the Alalcotuku Hotel. Detective-Sergeant Bickcrdyke said that evidence would be advanced to show that the accused had procured persons to commit the alleged offence. William Aiartin, sen., gave evidence that ho took oyer tlio hotel from the accused in October, 1932. The lease was due to expire in April, 1933. He lnid given notice of his intention not to seek- a renewal. The accused a isited witness in company with a man named Barringer. Witness thought the hotel to be much over-insured at £2OOO. He related lioav ho aAvakened on the night of the lire and found the dining-room alight; He said lie avus financially ruined by it. When tlio accused and Barringer had called ten days before, accused remarked, “Isn’t she down yet?” Witness asked Aidiat he meant. Accused added: “I thought she would have been down by iioav.” George Ebbett, a solicitor, of Napier, and liquidator for Neil aiid Close, who owned the hotel till it was sold to a group of which the accused wasone ffavfe evidence that in Alay, 1933, accused owed £1930 under a mortgage which' had been allowed to remain on the hotel. The accused got into arrears on the payments. Witness had gn r en notice to sell the property through the registrar on tivo occasions. Later arrangements Avero made for the sale ot the hotel on Alay 18, but it was destroyed by fire on Alay 8. The buildings and contents were insured for £1250. Witness Avas not aware that tlie accused had taken out an additional cover of £750. The accused had not actually received any money; hut witness had credited the accused to the extent of £750 as a book transaction.