THREATENING LETTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 44, 22 February 1932, Page 10

THREATENING LETTER.

SUSPECT SENT FOR TRIAL

SEQUEL TO A FIRE.

HENDERSON VALLEY CASE,

A feud between neighbours living in Henderson Valley was ventilated at the Police Court this afternoon, when Albert Victor Denny appeared before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., charged with sending to Thomas M. Sharp a letter containing threats to destroy a building and premises situated at Sharp's Bush, Henderson Valley.

Thomas M. Sharp, baker, of Sharp's Bush, Henderson Valley, said he conducted a tea kiosk in the bush. On December 23, at 3 p.m., he returned home and found the kiosk burned to the ground. The building was valued at £100 and the stock at £40. There were no insurances. " I am sure an experienced bushman set fire to the building, because he so arranged it that only the building and not the bush caught lire," said witness. He knew accused, who once worked for him, but he dispensed with Denny's services because he " made himself obnoxious."

On January 20 witness received a letter card which read, "If the Chilian is not sent off the farm on or before 28/1/32 we will destroy everything on the farm. After the 20th, if we hear he has not gone for good, wc will get to work. — Yours, The Gang." Witness also received other le£ters, but these were not read in Court.

Detective Sneddon said he interviewed accused on February 10 concerning the kiosk fire and a letter received by Sharp. Accused denied setting lire to the kiosk, and at first denied sending the letter, but afterwards he made a supplementary statement, in which he admitted sending the letter-oard to Sharp. He denied being responsible for the fire, and explained that he sent the letter to Sharp, as a neighbour told him that Sharp had thought the fire was the work of a gang.

Denny pleaded not guilty and was commited to the Supreme Court for trial.