CHARGE OF ARSON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 16

CHARGE OF ARSON

YOUNG WHANG AKEI MAN FIRE AT PARENTS' HOME SENT FOR TRIAL IN AUCKLAND [Br TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANG AREI, Friday Charged with committing arson on April 20 at Whangarei by wilfully setting fire to the house of Marmaduke Walker at 7 Hassard Street, Leonard Marmaduke Walker, aged 22. appeared this morning before Messrs. W. Reynolds and G. H. Morrish, J.P.'s. The police were represented by Detective P. J. Nalcier and Mr. L. A. Johnson appeared for accused. Mrs. Mary Walker, mother of accused, said it was the usual practice of her son to remain at home, but on this day he went out several times. The last time he went through to the hall and witness did not hear any more from him. About four o'clock witness saw a bright light in the sitting room and found the house afire. Accident Two Years Ago Marmaduke Walker, father of accused, said the building was insured for £920, but was worth £llsO. The furniture was valued at £2OO, but the policy on this had lapsed. Accused was drawing £1 a week sustenance and paid 15s a week, board. He had met with an accident two years ago and had not been the same since. He would not submit to any treatment from a doctor. Patrick Alexander Duffy, grocery assistant, saicl that on the day of the fire he sold a tin of kerosene to accused. Constable C. Snow said he considered the fire had originated in a recess near the fireplace of the sitting room, and among the hot ashes in the recess witness found an opened, empty kerosene tin and there was a smell of kerosene in the room. Statement to Detective Detective Nalcler said he interviewed accused, who gave a statement in which he said he was cycling to Kioreroa to fish when' ho heard the fire bell ringing,, and when he arrived at Kioreroa he saw smoke in Whangarei. Upon his return he found his home had been burnt. Accused said he had not purchased any kerosene or any other inflammable material, and did not know how the kerosene tin had got into the sitting room. Later accused was told that there was evidence that he had purchased a tin of kerosene, and he replied, "That is bad luck, isn't it?" But would make no other reply. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court at Auckland for trial. Bail was not allowed, and the justices recommended that accused be examined by an alienist while awaiting trial.