YOUNG WOMAN STANDS IN DOCK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18187, 21 June 1927, Page 9

YOUNG WOMAN STANDS IN DOCK.

CHARGED WITH SETTING FIRE TO CURTAINS.

Winifred Iris Cockle, aged twentythree, was placed in the dock at the Magistrate’s Court to-day. the charge against her being that at Mangere she wilfully set fire to two curtains and damaged window frames valued at £6, the property of Samuel Ward House. Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., was on the Bench. Chief-Detective Lewis prosecuted, and Mr Rowe appeared for accused. A remand to June 30 was granted. The Chief-Detective said that inquiries had to be made to see w'hether the case would be taken in Aucklandr Mr Rowe said he would like the case to be taken in Christchurch, so that expense could be saved. The young woman’s parents were in Christchurch, and she would plead guilty. Chief-Detective Lewis: It has got to be decided whether the charge will be attempted arson. Mr Rowe made an application for the suppression of accused's name in the meantime. Mr Mosley: I am of the strong opinion that this should be used rarely and only when substantial reasons are given, or offences might be continued by the various persons accused. Mr Rowe then asked that bail be allowed. Chief-Detective Lewis asked that, if granted, bail be made sufficiently substantial to guarantee accused remaining. It was not a case of a young girl making a false step. The Magistrate: There seems to be some nasty points about the case. Apparently she wilfully set fire to the curtains. Mr Rowe: She says that she does not know why she did it, but she candidly admits having done it. At this stage, bail was fixed in the sum of £2OO. with one surety of £2OO. Mr Rowe: If it is not forthcoming may she be taken in charge by the Salvation Army? Ensign Newton said that the Army would be willing to look after the girl during the period of remand. The Magistrate pointed out that at the Salvation Army Home there were no locks, bolts or bars. People could go in one hour and go out the next. The Chief-Detective: There is no restriction there. The Magistrate then decided to reduce the bail to £IOO. with one surety of £IOO or two of £3O. The father of the girl was called forward and he explained his position. He was advised that if bail could not be found, that his daughter would go to the Salvation Army.