CRABTREE'S DEATH.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 89, 16 April 1910, Page 5

CRABTREE'S DEATH.

THE BRUNSWICK EXPLOSION. EVIDENCE AT INQUEST. A DUMMY STOCK. By Telegripn.-- Press Association.— Copyright. (Received April 16, 10 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. At the inquest concerning the death of Crabtree, who died from injuries sustained in an explosion that, on the 19th March, resulted in the destruction of four shops in Brunswick-street, Fitzroy (a Melbourne suburb), Mrs. Crabtree deposed that she had no knowledge that her husband contemplated any felony. She asked him at the hospital to tell her the truth, but was doubtful if he did so. In his dying statement he declsred that Shaw bought stuff and set it afire. Shaw \ waa practically a partner with her husband. She added that her husband : bought a dummy stock some time ago, j consisting of empty jam tins and bars of wooden "soap," and placed them in the shop that was the scene ot the explosion. Another witness deposed to selling Crabtree four gallons each of methylated spirits and benzine five days before the fire. Shaw made a confession to the police alleging that Cnbtree had effected an insurance on his stock, and removed about £400 worth. Shavings were carted to the place in large quantity, and he and Crabtree saturated these with methylated spirits and beniine. It waa arranged that when the place *Vas well alight, Shaw should lamp from the verandah and give the alarm, but. the scheme miscarried, and when Crabtree struck a light a violent explosion followed Bhaw knew no more. Crabtree waa confronted with Shaw's confession. While modifying a previous statement made by himself, he denied Shaw'e story, and stated that he fonnd tbe tap of the ga» »tove lorned on. When he lit a match an explosion followed. The detective* have evidence snpportint*, Shaw's stor>.