EXPLOSION & FIRE.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 152, 14 September 1928, Page 3

EXPLOSION & FIRE.

SENSATIONAL SEQUEL EX-POLICE OFFICERS CHARGED. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, This day. As the sequel to the terrifis explosion and fire which completely destroyed a grocer’s shop at the corner of Napier and Sheridan streets early in the morning of August 29th, three men were aiYested last night on charges of arson. The accused are Sydney Francis Waters' (33), police constable stationed at . the central station, Thomas Francis Carroll (29), a member of the force for some time attached to the detective office, and James Tait (32), an Auckland taxidriver.

At the Police Court this morning each accused was charged with wilfully setting fire to a shop and dwelling the property of James Irwin. Waters, who had for some time been a caterer at the police barracks, appeared in the dock with his left hand heavily bandaged, Carroll (who resigned from the force about twelve months ago) and Tate kept Waters company in the dock. Chief Detective Hammond said there was another charge of conspiracy ponding against the throa accused. Carroll was the occupier of the shop. Mr Hunt, S.M., granted a remand until September 20th. On the request of the police he fixed the hail in each case at £IOOO, one surety of self in ,£SOO, ami two other sureties of £250 each. At 11 o’clock bail was not forthcoming.