Arson Charge: Poultry Farmer Sent For Trial

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29994, 1 December 1962, Page 10

Arson Charge: Poultry Farmer Sent For Trial

(New Zealand Press Association)

PALMERSTON N„ Nov. 30. A man the police allege set fire to his house at Bainesse, 14 miles from Palmerston North, on or about November 2 after removing his furniture and household effects, and then claiming £lOOO from an insurance company for the loss of the contents, was committed to the Supreme Court for trial when he appeared before Mr D. G. Sinclair, SM., in the Magistrate’s Court at Palmerston North today. He was William Cain, aged 65, a poultry farmer, who denied charges of making a false declaration, arson, and attempting to obtain £lOOO from the Alliance Assurance Company with intent to defraud.

Leonard John Adm, a farmer. said Cain leased the house from him. It was insured for £2300. On November 2, Adm said, when he drove past only a chimney remained standing in the ruins of the cottage He had not seen Cain or his family for a week before the fire.

An insurance assessor, Edward William Pearse, Mid he inspected the remains of the house The fire was a “very complete one.” There was a total absence of unburnt timber or evidence of the contents.

Pearse said he met Cain in Palmerston North on November 7 to prepare a claim for his losses Cain had already been seen by the police

"He gave me the impression by conversation that he was a heavy loser He was quite talkative when he made out a claim,” said Pearse.

Winston Henry Liddington, also an insurance inspector, said Cain insured his personal and household effects for £7OO on November 17, 1960. On November 17, 1961, he increased his cover from £7OO to £lOOO The cover expired on November 17, 1962.

Terrence Edward Long, a partner in a Wellington storage firm, said Cain on October 29 inquired about storage for his furniture, and on October 31, 14 packages, including furniture, were put in one of the firm’s stores.