“MUST BE FIRE.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 14 June 1934, Page 13

“MUST BE FIRE.”

Saw Smoke From Destructor Chimney. FALSE ALARM GIVEN. The Christchurch Fire Brigade had an unusual experience recently. Answering a call to the corner cf Manchester and Gloucester Streets, it was directed by the man who broke the alarm box to the smoke from the huge chimney of the city destructor “ There must be a fire there,” said the alarmist. As a result, Edward O’Sullivan was charged before Mr E. D. Mosley S.M., this morning with giving a fake alarm The defendant did not appear. “This man,” said Sub-Inspector Powell, “is not quite rignt in the head.” Telling the story of the breaking of the alarm, William Haley, a barman, said: “ I saw' defendant by the alarm and asked him what he w’as going to do. I have kno\yp him for years and thought he might be contemplating something silly. He told me he was going to give the alarm. I put my hand over the glass and tried to dis suade him. Then he put l.is hand in his pocket and said he would soon •fix me. Witness Did Not Stop. ** I knew he was not quite right in the head,” witness continued, “ and as I have a w’ife and a pair of kids, I went. He might have clear.ed ms up.” Superintendent Warner then gave evidence of the brigade’s dash to the scene, and the conversation with the defendant. “ I don’t think he is reoponsible.*’ said Superintendent Warner. “ It is a question of defendant’s men tality.” said the Magistrate. The sub-inspector said tnat defendant’s mother had been approached, and she said he was working and was apparently all right at present She would let the authorities know if anything happened.

“ I will hold this over h:s head for six months/’ said the Magistrate.

The defendant was ordered to come up for sentence if called upon with ; n six months.