AN AUCKLAND FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1750, 16 May 1906, Page 3

AN AUCKLAND FIRE.

SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE.

(Per Press Association.) Auckland, last night

In connection with the recent fire in West street, James Crowther, laborer, was charged at the Police Court today with committing arson. William Walker, house painter, was charged with procuring Crowther to commit the crime. 'lhe Crown evidence against Crowther principally consisted of a sensational and elaborate confession by the prisoner, who alleged that Walker told him of the opportunity to earn a few quid, and took him around to Mrs Walker’s house in West street, suggesting he should set it on fire Crowther alleged that Walker, the other prisoner, showed him a lining board ripped off, remarking “That will make a good draught.” He also alleged that Walker said “if the fire goes a clean sweep I get £IOO for the furniture and £7d apiece for the two houses. 1 ’ Crowther says Walker showod him places where the houso was worm-eaten, and assured him he could get safely away, that the firehose could not reach the building. While Mrs Walker was away Crowther said he visited the house, alleging that Walker and himself made preparations lor the fire, opening up a flax mattress and nailing sacks over the ground floor' window, Walker remarking “ that will make a good start,” and promising Crowther £LO as soon as the money was received from the insurance company. Crowther states he wont one Sunday night to burn down Walkers house, but altered his mind and returned home. Walker subsequently called him a frightened beggar, and offered to double the monetary reward. Crowther states that on the night of April 17th he again visited Walker’s house, and placed a piece of buggy candle in the centre of the ground floor, surrounding it with flax. A firo occurred, but tho brigade extinguished the flames before ilie houso was destroyed. Crowthor alleges that the day the Coroner’s inquiry opened Walker told him he had them (meaning the jurors; “ bamboozled,” but if anything happened he and his father would stick to Crowthor’s family, A witness named Campbell, lodging with Crowther, deposed that tho latter told him of the arrangement with Walker. He sent an anonymous letter to the police. He heard Walker tell Crowther after the opening of the inquest he had the authorities beaten. Lator.—When the Court resumed after tho luncheon adjournment, the charge against William Walkor of procuring James Crowther to commit arson was proceeded w ith. He pleaded not guilty, and Crowther, who pleaded guilty to committing arson, gave evidence against Walker on the lines of his (Crowthor’s) confession to the police. Crowther was cross-examined at length, and tho Court adjourned until to morrow, when tho crossexamination will be resumed. A

large number of witnesses are to be called.