BENZINE FIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 72, 26 March 1932, Page 7

BENZINE FIRE.

ARSON CHARGE DISMISSED.

WHANGAREI CYCLE DEALER. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANG AREI, Friday. Further evidence was heard before justices in the Magistrate's Couit yesterday afternoon in the case in which Woolsev Gordon Allen, motor cycle dealer, of Whangarei, was charged tluu on March 12 he wilfully set fire to benzine and motor cycles, so situated as to be likely to cause the building at JNo. 18, Water Street, Whangarei, to eaten fire. The hearing occupied eight hours. John Pollard, farmer, of Whe.ti Valley, said that about nine o'clock on the night of the fire he went into the shop occupied by accused to talk with him, and remained there until closing time, ten o'clock. They then left the shop together, but separated in Bank Street. About 25 minutes later witness was passing the shop and saw the flare. He immediately called the fire brigade. E. P. Ramsey, agent for the South British Insurance Company, gave details of the insurance. In the event of the fire having destroyed the place the insurance moneys would have been paid to others having security over the stock and plant and accused would only have received an amount equivalent to whatever equity he had. Detective Sergeant Robertson said that, with Constable Norris, he called at accused's home at about 12.30 a.m. on March 13 and found accused in bed. He advised him what had happened, and accused came down to the shop. Accused gave a complete denial of any knowledge of "the matter, and stated it was against his interests to have a Are. Counsel for the defence said the time of the fire and the fact that it could be plainly observed from the street were not consistent with a deliberate attempt at arson, while everything was consistent with innocence, and there had been no evidence to show a motive. There was nothing sinister in accused being in arrears with rent and electrical supply payments. There were many others at present in the same position, and worse. There was not that strong probability of guilt, said counsel, which would justify sending the case to the Supreme Court. After the matter had been considered by the justices, Mr. Dent said: "We have come to the decision that, owing principally to the fact that the fire was so obvious from the street, and that accused would receive no benefit, the charge should he dismissed, and we rule accordingly. On the evidence the police, however, were quite right in bringing the case forward."