$1000 Reward Offered For Incendiarist

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31780, 10 September 1968, Page 28

$1000 Reward Offered For Incendiarist

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 9. A reward of $lOOO has been announced by the police for material information leading to a conviction for the church arson in Feilding.

This morning the Commissioner of Police (Mr G. C. Urquhart) said there were no firm suspects for the five fires set in churches and church buildings on the night of April 15, 1966, and the early morning of March 10 this year. “We are hoping the reward may produce helpful information which could lead to a conviction. Arson is a serious class of crime, often difficult to sheet home.” Mr Urquhart said On April 15. 1966, the Church of Christ, in Derby Street, and St Paul’s Presbyterian church were razed. An attempt was also made to burn St Mark’s Methodist church hall in Grey Street. On March 10 the Knox Presbyterian church in Kimbolton Road, was destroyed by fire and there was an attempt to

burn St John’s Anglican church, in Camden Street. Intensive inquiries were made by detectives after both series of fires. If the information leading to a conviction comes from an accomplice who is not the principal offender he will not be prosecuted. Payment of the reward or part of the reward is at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. The reward offer is open until June 30 next year.