PIHA MYSTERY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 17 April 1939, Page 10

PIHA MYSTERY

hearing or charges COMMENCEMENT TO-MORROW Hlnitprt Pi-pup AUCKLAND. This Day. The Police Court hearing of charge: arising out of the Piha fire myster; will commence to-morrow. The tw< accused, Gordon Robert McKay, alia Tom Bowlands. wool and skin dealer aged 411. and James Arthur Talbot labourer, aged 38. both of Australia are jointly charged with improperly interfering with a dead human body that of Patrick Henry Shine, at Auck land on 10th February, and with wil fully setting fire to the dwelling-housi of Frank Carew-Thomas, thereby committing arson, at Piha on 12th February The case will be heard by Mr C R. Orr Walker. S.M., in the main Court room, commencing at 10 o’clock or a.' soon thereafter as any minor matter: have been dealt with. Mr Sandersor has so far represented McKay and Mi Terry has appeared for Talbot Detec tive-Sergeant J. Walsh was to have pro secuted. but he is indisposed, and the name of the officer selected to replace him has not been announced. About 40 witnesses, including some ofT the officers engaged in the investigation of the case, will be called foi the prosecution. Their evidence is expected to occupy two full days, without cross-examination.