FIRE IN SHOW BUILDINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 274, 18 November 1937, Page 2

FIRE IN SHOW BUILDINGS

LABOURER PLEADS GUILTY [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, Nov. 17. On the evening of October 1 the Wellington Winter Show Buildings had a narrow escape from a serious fire, ana to-day John O’Grady, agea 54, labourer, pleaded guilty to vvilfully retting them on fire, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. It was stated in evidence that accused haa worked for the Show Association on relief for varying periods, but had not been employed there tor live months. Although he had applied for employment, instructions had been given not to employ him, as he was not a suitable person. He adopted a hostile attitude when refused work. Kennel Club members, who discovered the lire just as it was getting going, gave evidence of seeing accused, accosting him, being abused, and challenged to fight. Accused, it was stated, was under the influence of liquor. Detective N. J. McPhee said that on November 4 he interviewed accused, who made a voluntary statement. He admitted sfetting fire to the building but said he did not know why. In a signed statement he said that he first went into the building to look for empty bottles. He dropped paper down an air-vent and lighted it by dropping matches down on the pfiper.