The Kaiapoi Mystery.

Southland Times, Issue 18061, 3 February 1903, Page 3

The Kaiapoi Mystery.

Fer United Press Association

CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 2

The enquiry into the circumstances of the recent fire at Egan's brewery, Kaiapoi.- was resumed this morning. The fire occurred at the beginning of last month and, a man named Frank Giles Hempleman, book-keeper at the brewery, who had .. the keys of the room in which the books and cash were kept, stated that on the night of the fire he had been assaulted by- some men who (knocked him down, rendering him unconscious and took the keys from him. The brewer gave evidence that at 2.30 a.m. he was awakened by the fire. The doors of the office and strong room were wide open and the books were burning. There were traces of kerosene on the shelves inside the strong room and on the desk. Frank Egan, the proprietor, stated that he had spoken to Hempleman about irregularities'in the books. Hempleman, Since he had been in his employ, had received about £250 in cash but had only accounted for £71. Later on it was ascertained that the cash deficit would be close dn £180. Witness told Hempleman that -it was his intention to have the accounts audited.

The jury returned a verdict that they were of opinion that the fire was caused by some person or persons unknown who had some strong interest in destroying the "books and that there wa9 no evidence to show who they were.

Immediately alter the verdict had bean returned Hempleman was arrested and charged on 8 informations with a series of thefts of money belonging to Ejran. The alleged defalcations amount to £30 and are supposed to extend over . several months. Accused, who pleaded " Not Guilty," was remanded till Monday. Bail was allowed in two sureties of £100 each and accused's recognisance of £100.