CHARGE OF ARSON.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 113, 16 May 1906, Page 2

CHARGE OF ARSON.

THE AUCKLAND FIRE

SENSATIONAL CONFESSION

[press association.J

AUCKLAND, May 15. In connection with the recent fire in West Streets 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. .

The Crown evidence against Crowther principally consisted in a sensational and elaborate confession by the prisoner, who alleged that Walker told him of an opportunity to earn a few "quid." He took him round to Mrs Walker's house, in West Street, suggesting that he should set it on fire. Crowther alleged that Walker, the other prisoner, showed him a liningboard ripped off, remarking, "That will make a good draught." He also alleged that Walker said, " If the fire gets a clean sweep I shall get £100 for the furnitjure and. £75 apiece for two houses." ■ Crowther ' says that Walker showed him the places where the house was worm-eaten, assured him that he could get safely away., and that a fire-hose could not reach the building. While Mrs Walker was away Crowther said he visited the house, alleging that Walker and himself made preparations for the fire, opening up flax mattrasses, nailing sacks over the ground-floor windows, Walker remarking "that will make a good start," and promising Crowther £10 as soon as the money was received from the . Insurance Company. Crowther states that he went on Sunday night to burn down Walker's 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 ™?I, lt April 17t]l ]lea Sain listed Walker s house, and placed a piece of buggy-candle in the centre of the ground floor, surrounding it witli flax. A fire occurred, but the Brigade extinguished the flames before the house was destroyed. Crowther alleges that on the day the Coroner's.inquiry opened Walker told him that he had them (meaning the jurors) bamboozled, but if anything happened he "and his father would stick to Crowtlrer's family. * The case is proceeding. A witness named Campbell, lodging with Crowther, deposed tliat the latter wii m of tlle aria"gement with Y\ alker, so he sent an anonymous letter to the police. He heard Walker tell Crowther after the opening of theinquest that he had the authorities beaten.