SUSPICIOUS FIRES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 71, 23 March 1908, Page 5

SUSPICIOUS FIRES.

ARREST OF A GARDENER,

POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS.

Ever since the fire occurred at "Del Monte," Mr. L. M. Myers' residence at the corner of Park and Carlton Goreroads, a strict watch has been kept in the vicinity by the police..' Early yesterday morning another small outbreak occurred in the building, but the Newmarket Fire Brigade, which soon arrived on the scene, managed to hold the fire in check. The additional damage amounts to about £50, while the total insurance on the property is £2,000 in the South British Office. While the Brigade were on the scene, Constable Hunt arrested the gardener; a man named Thomas Fitzgerald, on a charge of having been concerned in the origination of the fires. At the time he was captured, Fitzgerald is said to have had a couple of candles and some waste in his possession, while there were also evidences of kerosene. The accused man is of slight build with a quick, nervous manner, and has been gardener for Mr. Myers for a number of years. On the application of SubInspector Gordon, he was remanded this morning until Thursday on charges of having wilfully set fire on March 15th and 22nd to a building in Carlton Gore■road belonging to Mr. L. M. Myers. Mr. Kettle asked the Sub-Inspector whether these fires were reported to the Coroner. - Mr. Gordon: Sometimes. If there are circumstances which suggest, then an inquest is necessary. Mr. Kettle: Who decides that? Mr. Gordon: The police do, and usually the insurance companies have to be consulted. If they ask for an inquest, one is held. '/[ Mr. Kettle said that it did not necessarily follow, because an inquest was held on a fire, that anyone was charged with incendiarism. Often matters were required to be brought out, in order that mistakes might be rectified, and danger averted in future. It was desirable to know the course of these fires, iii the public interest. Mr. Gordon: If we held an inquest on every fire, we would want several additional coroners. Mr. Kettle: I don't say you should hold an inquest on every fire, but there are many where an inquiry would be de-

sirable.