I.W.W. CRIMES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 835, 13 October 1916, Page 10

I.W.W. CRIMES.

'BURN SYDNEY DOWN." SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE. }}>/ Cable. — Press Association. — Copyright. SYDNEY, October 12. The sensational developments in the treason case are exciting the keenest interest. A chemist, who was formerly a member of the 1.W.W., gave evidence to the effect that shortly after the war begun he delivered lectures in the rooms of the organisation on elementary chemistry and the manufacture of explosives. After these the action of phosphorus and spontaneous combustion was discussed, members freely stating that the onlyway io stop conscription was to create rioting, break shop windows, and burn Sydney down. One man said that he knew three firemen who were .I.VY.W. men who would hold the water pressure back. The chief officer of the fire brigade stated that it was a curious fact that all the lires within the past few months had occurred in buildings which were not connected with the fire brigade, and all were without sprinklers and fire alarms.

SUPPLYING CHEMICALS.

ESCAPE OF A GERMAN

(Received October 13, 12.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 13.

In the treason case the chemist further gave evidence as to obtaining considerable quantities of chemicals for some of the accused. After some of the fires he asked Fagin if he was going to use the chemicals that he (witness) had sold him for more fires. Fagin said, "Yes." Witness asked where be came in, and demanded the return of the chemicals. Fagin refused to return them, and added that further considerable quantities of chemicals bad been purchased. Witness identified the photo of the notorious German escapee from the internment camp as that of the man living at Fagin's lodgings.

Witness was asked to make a mixture to remove tattoo marks. When he found it was to be used to remove marks from the German escapee he declined to apply it. Fagin then told witness that he knew too much, and would have to do it; otherwise he would be fixed. A revolver was produced, and under threats witness removed the marks. The German afterwards disappeared. Witness stated that he gave the information regarding the actions of the chemicals before he was frightened. He did not approved of the accuseds' policy.