OFFENCE ADMITTED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19959, 17 November 1934, Page 7

OFFENCE ADMITTED

ATTEMPT TO DESTROY TANKS By Telegraph—Press Association PALMERSTON N„ November 16. Before Justices of the Peace, Leonard Charles Martin (37), of Foxton, a baker by trade was charged that at Foxton on November 10, he wilfully placed an explosive substance, gelignite, in a tank, with intent to destroy the same. Evidence was given by Edwin Few, a poultry farmer, that he had come to an arrangement with the accused regarding the cutting of wood on witness’ property, which was later terminated. Witness and accused had a dispute. Accused was told to keep off witness’ property. Accused had requested the last lot of wood, which was in the possession of witness, and had said he would have it even if he “blew' it up.” Early on the morning of November 10, witness found the water leaking out of the tank, and called a plumber, who found a piece of fuse and part of a detonator among the debris. Detective Power gave evidence that accused had made a statement, in which he recounted how he had blown up the tank with gelignite. He had done this because he “wanted to get even with Few.” Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court at Wellington for sentence. The Bench suggested that accused should be medically examined, the police agreeing to obtain a report.