A SUSPICIOUS FIRE

Southland Times, Issue 19224, 14 May 1921, Page 5

A SUSPICIOUS FIRE

TRAINING STABLES GUTTED. TROTTER BURNED TO DEATH. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 13. A fire which is surrounded by suspicious circumstances occurred at Lohatipu, on the shores of Manakau Harbour, last Tuesday evening, and damaged the property of W. McMasters, the well-known trotting trainer, to the extent of close on £BOO. Included in the losses is the pacer Lucille, which was burnt to death, another trotter, Norland, being seriously burnt, white two other occupants of the stable, Bluewood and Little Bill, had a lucky escape. Norland and LHcille were owned by McMasters, white two of the rescued animals, Bluewood and Little Bill, were the property of Johnston. None of McMasters property or horses was covered by insurance. Unusual features of the fire were the fact that settlers in neighbourhood had for some days experienced thefts from their properties, particular attention being paid to larders. Outside the gutted stables was discovered subsequent to the fire unmistakable evidence of a fire having been kindled and a repast made, and it is surmised that this was the origin of the fire.