PIHA FIRE CASE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22663, 18 March 1939, Page 15

PIHA FIRE CASE

FURTHER REMAND GRANTED More police inquiries being MADE

(f££S3 ASSOCIATION 3ELIGBAM.)

AUCKLAND, March 17.

Further interest in the Piha fire mystery was shown by another large crowd that assembled in the Police Court for the second appearance on remand of an Australian labourer, James Arthur Talbot, aged 38, who was arrested by detectives eight days ago and charged with improperly interfering with a dead human body, that of Patrick Henry Shine, at Auckland, on or about February 10. A further remand until Thursday, March 30, was granted. People- began to assemble at the side entrance to the Court some time before 10 o’clock. There was a stir when the police van arrived at the back of the Court and the accused stepped out in company with several other prisoners. When the doors were opened the public gallery was soon almost filled by about 80 persons, including three women. Many more police, solicitors, and other Court officials were present than on the previous occasion, the front of the Court also being fairly crowded 1 . Messrs C. B. Shine and T. W. Shine, brother and son of the dead man, Patrick Henry Shine, were again in attendance. Mr Orr Walker, S.M., presided. The police were represented hy 1 Detective-Sergeant Walsh, and accused’s counsel was Mr J. Terry. Police Request

In making application for a further remand, Detective-Sergeant Walsh said that the police inquiries had not yet been completed. He had intended, he said, asking for a remand until March 24, but if counsel had no objection it was desirable that a remand until March 30 be arranged. He added that the police had no objection to bail, if it were allowed as formerly. Counsel said he had no objection to an extended remand if he could get some sort of indication that the hearing would take place on March 30. or as soon, as possible after that. The Easter vacation began early in April, and ,the next Supreme Court session opened at the beginning of May. He realised that extensive inquiries had to be made, but the police elected to arrest his client, and seemingly it might be some time before the offence was gone into. Repeating that a considerable inquiry yet had to be conducted, De-tective-Sergeant Walsh said that he could give no indication when the case would go on. Difficulty With Bail “In that case.” counsel asked, “will the Detective-Sergeant meet the position in regard ,to bail? The accused is a stranger here, and the finding of the amount of bail, especially two sureties of £2OO each, is impossible, ns one might anticipate. lam willing to agree to any terms about reporting to the police. It could be made three times a day if desired.”

The Magistrate intimated that without consent being given by the defence he could only grant a remand for eight days. "I have no objection to a remand until March 30,” said Mr Terry, “but I ask the police to go on on that date, so that it will give sufficient time for the defence to prepare the case for the next Supreme Court sessions.” The Magistrate: I take it that the police are doing their best, and hurrying the case as much as possible. I know a good deal of investigation has to be made in a case of this sort.

Counsel, again asking if the police would meet the matter of bail, said it was unfortunate that the accused should remain in custody all the time the investigations were being made. Detective-Sergeant Walsh said that he had no objection to a renewal of bail. "I have indicated that that is impossible,” said counsel. Mr Terry then consented to a remand until March 30.

The Magistrate, In granting the remand, said that he hoped the police would be able to proceed with the case on March 30, Bail would be renewed in self of £4OO, and two sureties of £2OO each. When counsel asked if he was disposed to reduce bail, the Magistrate said that he could not see his way to do that.

The accused stepped from the dock and disappeared into the prisoners’ room. Almost Immediately he reappeared with Detective-Sergeants Aplin and Trethewey, who • escorted him to a police car, which, was waiting outside the main entrance to the court in Kitchener street. DetectiveSergeant Nalder was also an occupant of this car, in which the accused was driven to the central police station. Later the accused was taken in a prison van from the police station back to the Auckland gaol, where he has been in custody since his arrest. SEARCH FOR SYDNEY BUSINESSMAN CANVASS OF CITY HOTELS Inquiries are being carried out through the Dominion In a thorough and exhaustive manner lor Gordon Thomas McKay, the Sydney businessman who is alleged to be the victim ol the Piha fire mystery. Investigations have been made In Christchurch during the week, the police making every effort to locate McKay. Detective J, L Halcrow, with a photograph of the head and shoulders of McKay, has canvassed every hotel in tho city. He has shown {he photograph and specimens of McKay's handwriting to the Hcencees or managers to ascertain whether McKay had booked in.