SEQUEL TO AUCKLAND EXPLOSION AND FIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 219, 15 September 1928, Page 7

SEQUEL TO AUCKLAND EXPLOSION AND FIRE

THREE MEN CHARGED FORMER POLICE OFFICERS ABE HELD FOR ARSON. ..ajlA.: (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 14. As the sequel to the terrific explosion and fire Which completely destroyed a grocer’s shop at the corner of Napier and Sheridan Streets early on the morning of August 29, three men were arrested last night on charges of arson. The accused are Sydney Francis Waters, aged 33, police constable stationed at the central station; Thomas Francis Carroll, aged 29, a member oi the force, for some time attached to the detective olfice; and James Tait, aged 32, an Auckland taxi-driver. At the Police Court this morning each of the accused was charged with wilfully setting fire to the shop and dwelling, the property of James Irwin. Waters, who had for some time been 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 Tait kept Waters company in the dock. Chief-Detective Hammond said that there was another charge of conspiracy pending against the three accused. Carrol was the occupier of the shop. Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., granted a remand until September 20. the police request, and fixed bail in each ease at £lOOO in one surety, or self £5OO and two sureties of £250 each.