ALLEGED ARSON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 14061, 16 May 1906, Page 2

ALLEGED ARSON.

SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE. [Peb Press -Association.] AUCKLAND, May 15. _ In connection with the recent fire ia West Street, Janies Crowther, labourer, was charged at the Police Court to-day with committing arson, and William "Walker, house painter, was charged with procuring Crowther to commit the crime. . _ The Crown evidence against Crowther principally consisted of a sensational and elaborate confession by the prisoner, ifho alleged that Walk©? told him of the opportunity to earn a' few pounds, and took him around Mia Walker’s house, in West Street, suggesting that he should set it pa ifire. 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 £75 a piece for the two, houses.” Crowther says that Walkeri, showed him places where the house was, worm-eaten, and assured him that he, could get safely away, and that thofira hose could not reach the building. - { While Mrs Walker was away Crowther said that lie visited the house, alleging that Walker and himself made preparations for the fire, opening up flax, mattresses and nailing sacks over the, ground floor windows. Walker remarkfug, “ that will make a good start,”, and promising Crowther £lO as soon as, the money was received for the insurance. Crowther states that li© went one Sunday night to burn down Walker’s house but altered hie mind, and returned liomo. Walker subsequently called him “ a frightened beggar,” and offered double the monetary reward. Crowther states that on the -night ofApril 17 h© again visited Walker’s house and placed a piece of buggycandle in the centre ground floor, sur-, rounding it with flax. A fire occurred, but the brigade, extinguished the flames before the bouse was destroyed., Crowther alleges that f&e day the Coroner’s inquiry opened Walker told" him he had them (meaning the jurors) bamboozled, hut if happened" he and 1 his father would stick to Crcwther’s family. . Crowther was- cress-examined at length, and the Court adjoufSed till tomorrow, when the croas-examinatioa • will bo resumed. i