MYSTERIOUS FIRES.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4427, 6 August 1901, Page 7

MYSTERIOUS FIRES.

EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR AT KHAND ALLAH. SOME PECULIAR EVIDENCE. Tiio district coroner, Mr James Ashcroft, hcid an inquiry yesterday into two mysterious lifts which occurred the house 01 John B-umgjiy, of Khandailah, on ilth July. Inspector Ponder was present, Mr A. 11. Atkinson appeared on behalf of Air Ruinifay, ami air Skerrett watciied tire case on behalf of Miss Vickers, who had been inentioiied in connection witii the occurrence by the owner of the house. Alter the jury bad viewed the scene of tho lire, the tuning of evidence was proceeded with. John Rumofiy deposed that the fiou.se in question was built for aim by Mr Rountree, Tins contract price ,i;n jLAio. fnu total cost was about Pri'c.

Paul £3UO for the place with the im.. rooms, there was an original mortgage ol £2U(J on the house. That was pain on and a new mortgage arranged on thu completed house with the Advances to botticrs Office) of £3OO. First stayed m the house on April 3rd. Had not yet yet completed settlement with ihe contractor. A sum of about p/ remained to bo pom yet. By tne U,rd April, though, P ;ad been paid, fciince Uien bo naa oo"t £-lo to the sub-coatraclors. ■ those sums a number of accounts extras' had been settled. The Im .insurance on tho house (in April) was JLIUU, to the best ol witness s Kijew.eoei!, It was with the I'lioenix insurance Company. Uu the hud April a builders’ risk for BloU, lake a out by Rountree, expired. I here nas only a policy of illoo on the liou.se until alter tho lust lire. Aiterwaixb tne manager of the I’iioeuix Assurance Company told him Unit tho Wellington Building and Jn vest meat Society had (as mortgagees) renewed the builder’s risk taken out by Rountree. Witness did not know of this previous to the first fire, fhei'j was nothing on the furniture tnen. The hie occurred on Easter Men day morning. April blh. Afterwards made proposals to the Phoenix for mi increase of insurance to £250, hut tho othco would not accept the risk. Subsequently the Norwich Onion took a risk of £4oo, alter witness had had certain specihed alterations made. Later still witness insured with tho Australian Ai. fiance for £JOO on the house, and a similar sura on the furniture. Witness arranged with the Alliance Oflico to take over tne risk of the Phoenix Office. That made £3oo on llio house and £IOO on the furniture.

Mv fcjkerrctt: Then the place was very fully insured. ivitness; 1 reckon I had good cause to luliy insure. Continuing, witness said tJio couii value of the place was about jUihO. The first lire occurred at about b.cU on the morning of April Bth. Witness* wife awakened him, saying, “IVe’re all on ms!" They were sleeping in the iront room. The place was full of smoke, the llames being in the kitchen. Threw water upon the chimney from tho out. side of Uie kitchen. The flames seemed to diminish somewhat. With his wife lie carried water to the roof by means of a ladder, and throw tho fluid on the roof His wile then called him down and showed him that tho strength of the fire was in tho roof of the kitchen---between the weatherboards and the wall. Tore about sis of the dado boards off and poured wator between the dado and the weatherboarding. Uy that time the weatherboarding was burnt through. Just then (■A o'clock) he succeeded in getting the fire out. Had the place then gone he would have been entitled to £250, but he did not know it at the time. To the heat of his knowledge he would only have got £l5O. Ho thought the Phoenix Company would have said nothing about its risk in that case. Mr Skerrott: You seem to have a great idea of business honesty. Mr Atkinson thougnti Mr Skerrett, should deter his remarks until he was addressing tho jury. A juryman here explained that tho fire occurred at a point opposite to the

lirepiace. Examination continued: There was nothing apparent which could have caused a lire. Made an inspection iust as the day was breaking. Three clays later the hoor was taken up by the police. There was a saucer found under tho floor which might have contained some inilainmable substance. Smelt the saucer, but could not smell anything on it distinctly. The saucer -could have been placed with ease from outside where it was found. Had a. suspicion as to what .was the cause ot th 0 lire. That suspicion had now gone to the wind. It had been investigated by tho poliae, who found there was no adequate motive adduced and nothing to give reasonable colour. Deteotive'Nixon suggested that it might have been an accidental fire, and that it probably originated from inside. There had been no iiro in the kitchen that day—not since half past live on the previous evening. Examined by Mr Atkinson: Tho second lire happened on Thursday morning, the 11th ot July, Witness and his wife zrooke and, smelt something burning. It would bo about 2 o’clock. When witness got up his wife was carrying a piece of darning paper from the hole near which tho previous lire had occurred. He saw her carry it to the bathroom, "VV itness carried a bucket of water in fiom the bathroom. His wife at that period col lapsed, saying, “They’re determined to do it.” Witness poured several buckets of water into the hole from the outside. Hid not look in the hole after die fire was extinguished. Subsequently rang up the nightwatchman at Lambton quay, Wellington, and asked that the house of a man in Wellington might bo watched, in order to see if that person returned home that morning. Ho was tpld that nothing could be done in that direction. With Constable Hutton ho went to examine tho vicinity of the house at davlight. There were very distinct foot, marks on tho grass. They led towards tho house. Traced them for 7u yards. They commenced three yards from tho front gate and finished about 20 yards from the house. Thence no footprints would show, because of the nature of the ground. The footprints were very small. The Coroner: As these footsteps have since been acknowledged we need not go further into that. Examination continued: There was no one else sleeping in the house that night but witness and his wife. The previous night Miss Tickers had called to see them. She had been invited. Witness had lived iu Khandallah from January, 1900. Had never visited the house of the Vickers’s since he had left them on being married except on the night of the first fire- Miss Tickers had called to see them frequently; Mrs Vickers about once or twice. Had received, he should think, about four lettors from Miss Vickers sine© the date of the first tiro. The main reason of her writing them was a love affair of her own. Could not produce tho letters; ho had burnt them all. ' He had burnt them because he was asked to do so by tho writer. He did not reply to any of the letters. They made distinct references to Mrs Rumgay. After an interchange of words be* tween oounsel, tho Coroner said the questions to ho put to -witness by his counsel must be such as to lead to the elucidation of material evidence. It was |

not to be supposed that love affairs— whether real or imagined—could be brought into tho case without being material to it. . . , . Mr Atkinson said it was not contended that the letters concerned a love affair of Rumgay’s. Mr Skerrett heatedly ' protested against tho cowardly insinuations of Rumgay. Examination continued : The letters contained several remarks about Mrs Rumgay. One remark was: “I think you were wise in not allowing your wife to visit at Khandailah, One party who called at our house said ‘ Mrs Rumgay told her she was the youngest of tho family, and she was as old as tho hills.’” Tho “she” referred to was Mrs Rumgay. Mr Skerrett ventured that there was littlo of a love-letter about that. He had never 'received such a one. It would bo hard to tell it unless it was labelled.

Another letter, said the witness, complained that witness had no time for her. It was shortly after his marriage on tho 13th of March last that the let ters in question were written. On the oveni..g before the fire witness went ■home with Miss Vickers about 1(1 o’clock. Ho walked straight across from the dining-room door to the big gate. They wore on tho metal all tho way. Loft her outside her home with her hand on tho gate. Mias Vickers was on friendly terms with his wife. Had no enemies in th 0 neighbourhood until tho present. What ho had dono had made him enemies enough. Ho had no reason to suspect that the (ire was caused through malice. To Inspector Pender; All tho interior doors of his house woro left open after tho first lire. The outer doors were all locked. Had only a small pup on the premises. Material which was taken from the hole by Constable Hutton after the second fire smelt strongly- of kerosene. To tho jury: It wa.s suggested that the firo had happened accidentally. Witness was not perfectly satisfied with tho theory. Was certain ho could see a reflection in his bedroom on the night of tho second fire. That was caused by the blazing fire, which had ignited a paper which had fallen over the hole. Tin’s was carried by his wife. Cross-examined by Mr Skerrett: If tho fire oommenoed from the inside on tho first occasion, it must have been either accidental, or else caused by someone inside the house, seeing that all fcbe doors were locked, or else someone had a key. Did not know that the experts who examined the place said the fire had started from tho inside. Could not gay if there was any reason to suppose from marks on the floor that his house had been broken into. Did not know that the reason why Mr Simpson had refused to renew the policy was hecaus 0 he had made np his mind that the fire was started inside. At first suspected a mm of having sot fire to tho house. That man had several quart Ms witn him over specifications. That was -his only reason—.because he was the only enemy witness had. Was not going to make any statements about Miss Vickers—tho evidence was there to s peak for itself. Had been treated with every kindness by Mr and Mrs Vickers, and he was very' sorry for the position he had been placed in.' Did not know that Misg Vickers was coming to visit his wife until he arrived home from Wellington. The letters from Miss Vickers were always addressed “Dear Mr Rumgay.” Did not show them t 0 hi.s wife. Did not mention them to his wife until the night of the second fire. Should say that Miss Vickers had visited his house ten times. Would not call the letters love-letters by any means. Mr Skerrett: Why did voir connect Miss Vickers with the fire by reason of th Q letters?—l refuse to answer that question.

Witness said he allowed people to draw their own inferences. Considered himself amply justified in making the insinuation against Aliss Vickers in the evidence which had been already adduced. Changed his opinion from the caso of a man to the case of a woman when he found in the torch which had set fire to his house a thread and needle which had been used to sew up the torch. Thought a man would have used a piece of string. Was there any other Eve in the world who could have uied a needle?—l’m thinking!

Well?—lt’s of such importance that ifc bewilders me!

Perhaps you will prefer to leave it —^ es > I think I would! Mr Bumgay proceeded to. say to Mr akerrett that when he discovered tho fire his wife was in bed. She preceded him to the fire, but he was with her very soon. After the second fir© all witness s fire insurance policies were cancelled. That wa* why he had called for tne inquest. His wife was not dissatisfied with the c Jd part of the building. It was not a sore point between them Witness saw Mr Vickers about a week after the fire. Told him that something would occur which would cause him and Mrs Vickers the greatest gr’ef. Did not tell him what it was. If he had spoken Mr Vickers might have met him, with a libel action. Did nob say that he had prayed tho whole day long so that ho might overcome his spirit of revenge. Had told him that he had prayed to be guided aright in his action. Next day he was waited on by Mr Vickers, who said he did not understand what witness meant. Reiterated that witness would b e in a position to cause him pain. What was taking place now was what he then referred to. He had a very urgent wish to see Miss Vickers next night. He believed that if he saw her the matter might be cleared up. It would not have "been a more decent thing to have seen the girl first and to have made his insinuations afterwards. Burnt each letter as ho received it. He could not suggest that the letters contained anything more loving than th 0 phrase about missing nis pathyTo Mr Atkinson y Had his suspicions before the police visited the place. Florence Viokers, examined by the Coroner, said she was the lady referred to by the previous witness. Knew nothing whatever as to the causes of the first or second fires at Rumgay’s house. Absolutely denied having been in any way concerned in them. She had not the slightest ilkwill to either Bumgay or his wife. Wrote once to Bumgay—not four times, sh e was sure. Certainly did not say anything about Mrs Bumgay in the letter. Wrote asking him to return something she fancied he had taken accidentally. Got home from her visit to Rumgay’s on the night of the fire at about ten o’clock. She did not come through the inner gate. If that was open it might have been left so by someone who took a short cut througn her parents’ place. That was frequently done. Heard someone go through the place, at about twelve o’clock that night. When she heard of the fire she thought perhaps that was the person who did it. Witness went in at the back. Heard the man who was suspected of being the cause of the tiro mentioned by the Rumgays. The footsteps on the grass were undoubtedly those of witness. When she heard of footmarks spoken of witness at once took her shoes along and suggested that she might have caused the marks when she was going to the house. To Mr Atkinson: It was between the two fires that witness wrote to Rumgay. He did not answer it, but he explained

that he did not have the article she had written for. There was nothing in the letter about ‘'want cf sympathy.” Had told Rumgay verbally that she missed him. Mrs Rumgay told witness about the fire (nest morning) as a great secret. She mentioned the name of a neighbour as a suspect. Did not in any way accuse witness. Told -Mrs Rumgay witness generally walked on tho grass because she had a sore foot. Witness mentioned tne name of a certain resident’s daughter after Airs Rumgay had said-a neighbour was suspected. The foreman of the jury brought up the point that the name of the contractor had been so freely bandied about in the case that the jury thought it desirable the contractor should be represented by counsel. It was decided to inform the contractor that if he desired to be represented ho could arrange to be so represented at the adjourned hearing in the evening. Mr Atkinson eaid ho would be sorr> to think there was the slightest suspicion against the contractor. Hi uas not suspected. ' Examination continued; Witness acquiesced in a supposition that, the marks might have been those of a bo ,>: Afterwards witness remembered that tie had been at tho house on the night before, and suggested that the footprints might, have been hers. Because Mr* Rumlay had told her as a secret about the fire witness did not tell th detectives that she knew about the f ix. Harriet Rumgay deposed the wife of John Rumgay. Slo k her husband had had disputes with the contractor for erecting their house, hut did not know the nature of them. Re membered the first fire. _ Was awakened about half past 3 a.m. on that occasion by a crackling sound. Awakened h- Jtwhand. The firo was. in tho kitchen. With her husband, she assisted to put out tho fire. No suspicion occurred to her mind of anyone m particular, but she told her husband the house looked as if it had been set on fire. Did not know that she could accuse anybody ioi the first fire, although she certainly thought that the one who caused the first firo also caused tho second. Her imv burn! discovered tho second firo. He jumped out of bed saying -Ihero is a light’ somewhere.’ He had raised faffial'arms similarly before, and so she fed an, ro' Mr Atkinson ; Saw Miss Vickers at about 9 o’clock on the night he tore tho second fire. She left about: ten o'clock. Next dav witness saw Miss Vickers Witness told the latter about tho fire, but told her she was not to speak to anyone—not even her mother - until the constables had seen into it. Showed Miss Vickers the kitchen, and indicated the spot where the fire bad been. Had not the slightest suspicion of her. Apart from anything her husband said, she would not have connected Aliss Vickers with tho case. Was very m diunant with the police for bringing Miss Vickers’s name into the case. Witness’s opinion "was altered afterwards, for when Miss Vickers came she shook her head and screwed np her mouth. Witness only wondered why she did it. isubseqnently witness was told by her husband that Miss Vickers was suspected. To Mr Skerrett: Her husbands sus. picions about the first firo were reported to the police. Detective Nixon did point out to witness what he called proofs that the firo had been originated from inside. Witness^ thought a great deal of MLs Vickers until lately. Mr Skerrett; I put it to you now. You are a woman, and as such know how much a woman is affected by such charges —whether true or false -as have been made against Aliss \ ickers in connection with this case?—! have had experience myself of Khandallah talk, and I know what it is? Air Skerrett: Do you think it just, or proper, or decent, that these charges should he made against this young wonuin ?—I decline bo answer tlint question- > Constable Hutton, constable in charge of the Johnsonville station, deposed , that on the morning of the 11th of July he inspected a hole in the outer wall of Rumgay’s house. It was charred at the e dges. Took out of the hole subsequently a lot of material. There were portions of a newspaper lying round. It bore a Westport telegram, dated July 7th. The rags were smeared with fat and kerosene, and were sewn together so as it would hold a small piece of candle. Presumably the package had been much larger. It had burned down. At Rumgav’s request, witness did not . show the package to Airs Rumgay. Had no doubt that the fire came from the package. The fire had mounted to the dado, and had burnt a small portion of the floor. Had the fire not been discovered soon after it would have soon had the whole house in flames. After a few words with Rumgay the latter asked him if he would arrest Aliss Vickers. Ho said, “My God! what shall I do! Supposing you get evidence, will you ar- : rest Miss Vickers?” Witness said. “ Yeg.” Witness subsequently question, ed Miss Vickers. She explained that the footsteps which led to tho house must have been made by her when she went to the house at about 9 o’clock. She explained how the footsteps had come, to bo where they were. Aliss Vickers’s account of the footsteps which led from her parents’ place (a suggestion that they were made by someone else who had passed through) was feasible, as judged by the indications. There were two -.footsteps inside the outer gate. They appeared to ho small, but they were indistinct. Could give the jury no further light as to who might have caused the fire. Behind the back shed of the track leading to Ahern’s it was only fair to say that he found larger footsteps. Rumgay, though, had said he had gone over that track to alarm Mrs Ahern and her son. The account given by Rumgay of the first fire was, in witness’s opinion, straightforward. The witness went 0 n to say that tho first fire, in his opinion, must have been started from the inside. Knew his opinion was in contradiction with that of Rumgay, but he spoke of what he believed to be fact, and he was going to keep to that opinion. There was nothing outside to suggest that the first fire had been started there. The saucer which had been found there did not smell of kerosene or any other inflammable material.

To Mr Atkinson : Suggested that the fire might have been started by a live coal. Mr Atkinson: The edges recede, though. The diameter at the top is narrower than at the bottom. Did you ever see that happen in a real event?— It might have happened. The fire might have burned through in a small hole, and then spread itself. To a juror: It was because he found footsteps leading from Mr Vickers’s house to Eumgay’s that he began to investigate there. There were only footsteps one way—up to Rumgay’s house. William Rountree said that to the best of his knowledge he was in his house on th 0 night 0 f the fire. On the morning after the fire he put his hand under the floor where the fire was supposed to have happened at Rumgay’s house. His hand was not blackened at all. As a matter of fact, the grass was quite green at the spot. By the bevel of the charring he was sure" that the fire had started from the inside. Had not seen the house since the second fire. By Mr Atkinson: Did you ever know a fire lit on top of a plain wooden surface to burn away more at the bottom

than it did in the first place?—lt frequently happened yo'. Two fire brigadetmen who were on the jury told the Coroner that in their opinion,' the fire had undoubtedly started in the house. G. H. Nixon, a detective, deposed that ho was of opinion that the fi rßt fire had started inside the house. He investigated the tracks. After Miss Vickers’s explanation he was perfectly satisfied. To Air Atkinson ; Got his instructions at 9 o’clock in the morning. Did not get out until the afternoon. Ho was engaged at the Court. i R. R. Percival. of the Survey Department staff, deposed that he had known both Air and Airs Vickers for about titenty years. Also knew Rumgay. Knew tho gate at AUckers’s place which had been mentioned. It was a greatlyused thoroughfare. Had known Aliss Vickers intimately for many years. Did not think it at all likely she would be guilty of being jealous of Rumgay. She would, ho thought, have better taste. To Air Rountree; Rumgay told witness whom he suspected. The Coroner said that however unsatisfactory the result might be, he could see nothing to bo gained by further delaying the matter. It was undoubted that there was a connection between tho first and second fire. Tho evidence seemed to establish clearly that -the first fire occurred from inside tho house. How it could have started' was not elucidated. He could not see that tho amount of insurances on the building could have supplied a strong motive for incendiarism. At any event, there was no evidence. Whatever evi-, dence there might have been in the footsteps as against Aliss Vickers had been explained satisfactorily, he thought. He himself could not see that the evidence pointed with any certainty to anyone. The jury retired shortly after nine o’clock, and considered its decision for an hour, and then returned the following verdict:—“That the fire which occurred on the Bth of April and that of the 11th of July were both wilfully caused by some person or persons to the jury unknown, and that the first firo was started inside the house.”

The following rider was added; —; “Witii respect to Hie first fire, the whole of tho jury unanimously agree that the contractor is in no way to blame; also that there is not the slightest evidence to prove Aliss Vickers’s connection with the second fire, and that the jury express their sympathy with her and her family, and she leaves this Court without the slightest stain on her character. The jury also expresses its admiration for the able way in which Detective Nixon and Constable Hutton conducted the case.”