THE CONDEMNED “REDS”

Evening Star, Issue 19632, 11 August 1927, Page 9

THE CONDEMNED “REDS”

SUSPICIOUS FIRE AT AUCKLAND NEXT UNITED STATES CONSULATE MATTER PLACED WITH POLICE. (Pei: Units® Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 11. A fire in an office in the Union Buildings at about 7.30 last night was speedily suppressed, but has given rise to somewhat sensational reports. The office in which the fire occurred is occupied by Mr J. P. Kavanagh, barrister and solicitor, and is separated from the office of the United States Consulate by only a thin partition. There is r.o clue as to how the lire started —no sign of kerosene or other inflammrole liquid; but loose papers in the cupboard ot Mr Kavanagh’s office were sufficient to start the blaze, so that when the biigade arrived the landing was fall of smoke. The damage done was practically confined to the -haiviag of the walls. Mr Boyle, United States Consul, says that it seems to him as il 't was r.n attempt to damage the Jonsuiate, ana, in view of warnings nd happenings elsewhere, he had put f ho uuusn - before the police. It was more the work id an amateur than of a, professional wrecker. . One could easily understand liia l ., finding the Consulate locked and the door of the adjoining office open, somebody would simply walk in and start the fire.