INCENDIARISM.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 231, 27 September 1916, Page 2

INCENDIARISM.

FINDING RE WAIUKU FIRES. CAUSED BY PERSONS UNKXOWN. The inquiry concerning outbreaks of fire in shops at Waiuku on August 27 and 28 was continued yesterday, before Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., at Waiukii. Evidence was given by Harry Thomas Bint, baker, who stated that in December, 1915, he insured for £150, and in August last increased the insurance to £300- On August 27, about 5.30 a.m., he woke, and noticed a smell of burning. He made an investigation, and discovered that the fire was in Grittble's premises, whereupon he gave warning. The following morning, when he went to the bakery at 2.50 a.m., he heard someone give an alarm of fire, and call out that the fire of the previous day had broken out again. He detailed his actions then, in. the way of placing his books and furniture in safety. He had later been told that he was said to have caused the nre_, and had replied that he didn't care what was said, as he was innocent. He had bought the business, including goodwill, for £200 about four years ago. He owed creditors in Auck- : land and Waiuku about £350. ■ In reply to Dr. Baniford, witness stated that he did not iborrow, tihe money to pay the premium on August 21.. : Hie account at the bank was overdrawn" at that time. He was being for money. It was not unusual'to have £30 in the cashbox on Saturday. In reply to Mr. MeVeagh, witness said that his assets in. book-debte at the time of the fire were valued by iiim at £340. He had three horses, vehicles, and chaff valued at £150. He was not near the cellar on either Sunday or Monday morning until after the fire. After evidence by Constable Fernligh, the Coroner Stated that the evidence forced him to the conclusion that the fires were duo to incendiarism. "It is only fair to one witness upon whom suspicion was cast," the Coroner continued, "that. I should add my opinion as to his position. While the evidence justifies mc in the conclusion that the fire was an act of incendiarism, I must still find an open verdict regarding the person or persons guilty of the crime."