SET FIRE TO SHED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 52, 25 November 1930, Page 10

SET FIRE TO SHED

Man Committed for Sentence Dominion Special Service Wanganui, November 24. As the result of setting fire to a building valued at £75. at Putiki, on November 8, Watene Ranginui was to-day, at tlie Wanganui Police Court, committed to tin* Wellington Supreme Court for sentence. George Bates, dairy farmer, residing at Putiki. said lie was wakened by his daughter about 1.30 a.m. on the morning of November 6, and saw a blaze on Mr. Alexander Donald’s property. lie immediately telephoned Mr. Donald news of the fire.

In reply Io a question witness said'he did not see anyone about. Alexander Donald said the building belonged to him. and was valued at £75. The shed contained harness and tackle, valued nt £45. and three calves valued nt £l6. Witness did not know tlie accused. Bessie Carlson, in her evidence, said the accused resided at her place at Putiki. and said he was not responsible for what he did nt times. She heard him go out twice during the night in question. Witness did not know of the fire till three days days later. Constable Ungers said he made inquiries regarding the fire, and as a result lie interviewed accused at the police station on November 16. when Rnn"inti> admitted setting fire to the shed. The constable then read out a statement written by accused, in which he stated he did not like Mr Donald, and did not know whv he sat fire tn the shed. Defective J. Walsh said accused had been under the supervision of the gaol surgeon, who said there was nothin" wrong tyifh his mental condition. When asked if he hnd anything In say Ranginui said when he set fire to the shed he was not in full possession of his senses.

The magistrate. Mr. .1, 11. Salmon, ordered accused to come un for sentence at the Wellington Supreme Court.