ARSON CHARGES

Evening Star, Issue 21709, 2 May 1934, Page 16

ARSON CHARGES

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES ITzk United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 1. A fire which destroyed a house at Hikurangi was the subject of lour charges, including one of arson, preferred against Leonard Cluard and j Frederick Ernest Ward in the Supreme | Court to-day. The accused were charged with breaking and entering on March J last a dwelling on a property known as Christie’s farm _ at Hikurangi, occupied by John Wright Christie, with intent to commit a crime; with setting fire to a dwelling; with sotting tiro to clothes and blankets so situated that they knew the dwelling was likely to catch fire; and with wilful damage to the value of £5, thereby committing mischief. The accused pleaded not guilty. Counsel said that the evidence would indicate that the more active part in setting lire to the place was taken by Cluard. Christie, who occupied the house with Airs Cluard, the wife of one of the accused, had seen both the accused in Hikurangi that afternoon. As a result of something he heard, he returned to the house, locked it up, and, with Airs Cluard, left the premises. Later he heard a noise like the breaking of glass, and found the house on lire. It became a total loss. Cluard subsequently was asked by a constable if be had sot (ire to the house, and said that he had. Evidence on these lir.es was given by several witnesses. The Crown case had been concluded when the court rose.