PIHA CASE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 89, 17 April 1939, Page 8

PIHA CASE.

STARTS TO-MORROW.

CHARGES TO BE HEARD.

IfJ.W. WITNESSES ARRIVE.

More than 40 witnesses will give evidence in connection with the Police Court hearing of charges arising out of the Piha fire mystery, the hearing of ■which will commence to-morrow.

The charges against the two accused, Gordon Robert McKay, alias Tom Bowlands, wool and skin dealer, aged 43, and James Arthur Talbot, labourer, aged 38, both of Australia, are that of improperly interfering with a dead human body, that of Patrick Henry Shine, at Auckland, on February 10, and also with wilfully setting fire to the dwelling house of Frank Carew-Thomas, thereby committing araon, of Piha, on February 12. '

Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., will hear the caee in the main court room. The hearing will begin at 10 o'clock, or as near ae possible after the disposal of minor cases. Mr. R. C. J. Sanderson has M far represented McKay, and Mr. J. Terry has appeared for Talbot. Detective-Sergeant J. Walsh was to have prosecuted, but he is indisposed, and it is understood that DetectiveSergeant P. J. Nalder will conduct the case for/the police. Detective-Sergeant W. L. Alford and a civilian arrived by the Aorangi from Australia this morning and will give evidence in connection with the case. The evidence of the 40 witnesses, including some of the officers engaged in the investigation, will be called for the prosecution. Their evidence is expected to occupy two full days, without crossexamination. I