ALLEGED INCENDIARISM.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14893, 16 October 1918, Page 3 (Supplement)

ALLEGED INCENDIARISM.

BARN DESTROYED AT HOPE

TWO BOYS ARRESTED

On Sunday afternoon about 1.45 o'clock, Mr. Albert Max, of Brightwater, while driving towards Richmond, observed smoke in tho direction of his farm at Hope, and on proceeding to investigate he discovered a barn and five-stalled stable on the property in flames. Owing to the fire having a good hold, it was found impossible to save tho building, which was totally destroyed. There was no insurance, and Mr. Max estimates his loss at £200. Inquiries made in the vicinity showed; that three boys had been seen near the place about half an hour before the fire, and Constable Falconbridge, of Richmond, was communicated with. He at once went to Hope, and the three lads, who are boarded out from the Stoke Training Farm with Mr. J. W. Joynt, of Hope, were interrogated by him, and made certain admissions, which resulted in two of them being arrested.

It is alleged that one of the boys, aged 13 years, attempted to set fire to an empty hut ou the property, but not meetmg with he and one of his- companionsturned their, attention to the Jiarn, although urged by the other lad to desist. There was a quantity of loose straw in the barn, which they set fire to, and using rushes as torches, they soon had the building ablaze. They then went to Sunday school, and were apprehended after inquiry when they came out. The two boys concerned were returned to the Stoke Training Farm, where they vrtt remain until they make their appearance before the cojjrt.