SUPPOSED INCENDIARISM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2506, 2 April 1902, Page 4

SUPPOSED INCENDIARISM.

(From Our Ottn Cobhespoxdent.) " CHRISTCHURCH, March 24. It is supposed that an attempt was made to burn down the Theatre Royal last night. At about 9.30 it was discovered that a door at the back of the stage by which the ecenery is received was on fire. The flames were quickly got under, and very little damage was done. The fire had been started from the outside. An examination of the theatre showed that undoubtedly Ir.st night's fire was the work of an incendiary. The door which was burned was found to bo satured with methylated spirits, as also the doorsill below. Close, by .a bottle was discovered — with methylated spirits in it. The fire will be regarded by many people as an additional bit of evidence in support of the theory that several of the recent fires in the city are the work of an incendiary. It has been urged that the destruction of Girton College and the haU adjoining was so suspicious as to leave little doubt that there had been foul play, both the architect who is superintending the additions to the public library and the librarian have expressed very strongly belief that the recent fire at that institution was the wilful act of some unknown miscreant. There is apparently go'Crd ground for concluding that the incipient "fife-..at the back door of the Theatre Royal was also the outcome of a deliberate attempt to burn, down the building.

''There is no power in the Licensing At t that is not studded with thorns," gaid counsel in Uic Appeal Court reconUjf.