GELIGNITE IN TANK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22422, 17 November 1934, Page 6

GELIGNITE IN TANK

AN ACT OF REVENGE OFFENDER;COMMITTED FOR V. SENTENCE.; (Pee United. Press Association) PALMERSTON N., November 16. : Before Justices of the Peace, Leonard Charles ’Martin, aged 37, a baker by occupation, of Foxtbn, was charged thjat at Foxtpn on November 10 he wulfiilly. placed an explosive substance gelignite, in a tank with intent to destroy the same. Evidence, was given by Edwin Few, a poultry farmer, that he. had come to an arrangement with the accused regarding the cutting' of wood oh witness’s property, which was .later terminated. Witness and the accused had a dispute, and the accused was told; to keep, off witness’s property. The accused had requested, the last lot of wood, which was in the possession of witness, and had said he would have it even if “he blew it up.” Early on the morning of November 10 witness found water leaking out of the tank; He called a plumber, who found a piece of fuse and part of a detonator among the debris.' Detective Power gave evidence that the accused had made a statement in which he recounted how he had blown up the tank with gelignite. He had done this because “ he wanted to get even with Few.” The accused pleaded guilty, and was committed to , the - Supreme Court at Wellington for sentence. The Bench suggested that the accused should be medically examined. The police agreed to obtain a report.