ALLEGED INCENDIARISM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 111, 12 May 1902, Page 3

ALLEGED INCENDIARISM.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) \

INVERCARGILL, Saturday.

Mary Vial, a married woman, a_i& Soger Meldrnm,' her brother, were committed for trial to-day on a charge of burning a house in Highstreet, Invercargill, on November 13, with intent to defraud the New Zealand Insurance Company of £70, the amount of insurance on the furniture. Evidence was given to the effect that Vial rented the bouse and put a little furniture in, and then asked her next neighbour to lend her some furniture, as she bad friends coming, and she did not want them to see how bare the house was, Several articles were passed over tbe fence and a fair show made. The "friend" proved to be the inspecting officer from the insurance office, and immediately he bad left the furniture was returned to the owner, Mrs Meadows, who deposed that Vial repeatedly spoke of ber intention to burn the house and get the insurance, also showing a gap in tbe lining over the mantel in which inflammable stuff could be put to start the blaze. Vial went to Riverton, 20 miles off, the day before the fire, taking some effects with her. Meldrum is charged because be was the only person in the house when the fire occurred. The fire was quenched before tbe house, was totally destroyed, and on examination it was found thaithere was veiy little furniture in the bouse. Accused were allowed bail of £400.