HOUSE SET ON FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20116, 29 November 1928, Page 10

HOUSE SET ON FIRE.

CASE AT NEW PLYMOUTH. RUBBISH AND KEROSENE. EXHIBITS AT THE INQUIRY. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday. An inquiry into the cause of a fire iri an unoccupied house belonging to Mrs. Mary Mather, on the evening of October 12, was held before Mr. R. W. Tate, S.M., to-day.

Heaps of rubbish, consisting of wallpaper, wood, shavings and sticks, well sprinkled with kerosene, in the middle of which it was alleged had been lighted candles, which, however, had gone out, formed exhibits in the case. These were alleged to havo been found by firemen in two cupboards in ihe house after they had extinguished the fire, which did considerable damage. Inspector Fraser said the house had been insured in the National Office for £750, which was probably as much as it was worth. The evidence would show that an attempt had been made to set the house on fire in three different places, in the bathroom and in two cupboards. In the latter there were heaps of rubbish with candles in the centre. These had been lit, but had gone out through the doors being closed tightly. The place had been 'vacated by Mrs. Revell on October 10, and the fire took place on October 12.

It was known that Mrs. Mather had been to tho placo on the day of the fire, and had taken some kerosene there. As far as could bo ascertained, she was the last person known to have been in tho house. J Irs. Revell said she had cleaned the house on October 11, and returned the key to Mrs. Mather.

Mrs. Mather said slio had visited the house on the morning of the fire, and again in the afternoon and evening. On the last occasion she took some kerosene to Light tho copper fire, for which she had gathered sticks. However, she did not have' need to light tho fire, and was there only a few minutes. The magistrate found that the honse had been set on fire by some person or persons.

In the course of the inquiry, the methods of Detective Meiklejohn in eliciting evidence were questioned, but the magistrate said he did not believe the statements in the depositions reflecting upon the detective in connection with his interview with Mrs. Mather and her grandson.