A NOCTURNAL FIRE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 25, 30 January 1930, Page 7

A NOCTURNAL FIRE

ITS ORIGIN A MYSTERY

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evenlni Pest.")

PAELMERSTON N., This Day.

At 2.30 o'clock yesterday morning the Palmerston North, fire-fighters wer» called to a small outbreak of fir© in * shop in. Featherston street, the circumstances surrounding the occurrence being of a peculiar nature.

On arrival the 'brigade speedily subdued the flames, discovering that two distinct fires had commenced, one being under the counter and the other in an attached room. There was also strong evidence, that the premises had been broken into, although n-othing was found to be missing. The glass pane on the front door of the shop is broken, and it is stated by the firemen that this had been done prior to their arrival. The door was locked, but, as it is fastened with a particular type of lock, it would have closed after anyone using it as an exit. The hole in the glass pane is near the knob of the lock. There are indications that the building was deliberately tfet on fire, but a number of used wax matches are lying about. It is thought that these may have been inadvertently dropped while still alight by the intruder, causing rubbish to catch alight. This would account for nothing being taken as the burglar would have decamped as speedily as possible when the fires started. The building is the property of Mrs. Baker, and is used by Messrs. Clark Bros, as a dairy and confectionery shop. The building U insured for £300, and there is a cover for a similar amount on the stock. Th« stock was damaged by smoke and water. , The police are .making investigations.