MYSTERY FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24106, 27 October 1941, Page 6

MYSTERY FIRE

GRAHAM'S HOUSE

BUILDING DESTROYED HIDING PLACE FOUND HOLLOW UNDER TREE (0.C.) GREY MOUTH, Sunday A sequel to the recent sensational man-hunt at Koiterangi is the mysterious destruction by fire of the farmhouse of Stanley Graham, whose death terminated the search following the fatal shooting of six men. Until Friday night a police guard was maintained on the property, and last night a fire which started at about 8..'50 o'clock destroyed tho house, which was unoccupied, within a few minutes. When the outbreak occurred there was a keen wind blowing and in view of a lack of water for fire-fighting any attempt to save the building would have been futile. The house, which was built about nine years ago, was in firstclass order. Detached fann buildings escaped the flames. Detective-Sergeant H. E. Knight, Sergeant E. Kay and other police officials visited the scene of the fire this morning. Cooking Utensils Found A hiding place probably used by Graham during the 12 days' search lias been discovered in the hollow base of a dead black pine tree in an open clearing surrounded by trees about a mile from the Growcott homestead, at Mount Doughboy, near where Graham was first sighted on the evening he was shot. Mr. Henry Growcott, who accompanied Constables Quirke and Ross when Graham was captured, describes the finding of cooking utensils and other articles in the vicinity and under the tree. Apparently Graham spent a considerable portion of the time lie was at large under this tree. The burned-out cavity is about 6ft. square and possesses natural peepholes up to a height of 6ft. or 7ft. There were indications that Graham had rested there. Evidence ol Meals Mr. Growcott found a large number of eggshells, two small tins, a tea canister which had been taken from Mr. Lindsay's home, a mug, two teaspoons. an enamel saucepan, and two baked potatoes. Preparations for starting a fire had been made behind an uprooted tree further toward the bush, but it had apparently gone out before it could be properly kindled, suggesting that Graham may have exhausted his supply of matches. It is apparent, however, that the fugitive must have previously lit a lire elsewhere, as he is believed to have said after his capture that he had had plenty.of food, including eggs and milk.