INCENDIARISM ALLEGED

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1931, Page 11

INCENDIARISM ALLEGED

BLAZES IN AUCKLAND FLATS. ACCUSED MAN REFUSED BAH,. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Aug. 25. A large house at Herne Bay, divided into flats, was discovered to be afire about 2 o’clock yesterday mo'rning. The firemen arrived and promptly prevented the flames running through the house. Meanwhile about 15 people, including children and a woman caretaker aged 70, escaped in their night attire. The police investigated the circumstances all day yesterday, and the fire superintendent said it was a deliberate ease of incendiarism. Four separate fires,, entirely unconnected, were burning in widely separated parts of the house, and all in unoccupied flats. This morning Charles Vernon, aged 53, a tailor, the owner of the premises, was charged in the Police Court with wilfully setting fire to them. He was remanded for a week.

His counsyl, asking for bail, said Vernon intended pleading guilty, and wanted the liberty to put his affairs in. order. The police opposed bail, which the magistrate refused, saying Vernon could be given the facilities he wanted while in custody. _ The premises .were insured foi\ £3500. and the' furniture for £7OO in the Guardian‘Assurance Office. ' • ■ : ■