CRIWE IN AUCKLAND.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXX, Issue 8451, 16 May 1906, Page 6

CRIWE IN AUCKLAND.

Alleged Incendiarism

A Prisoner's Sensational Statement.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

Auckland, Yesterday.

In connection with the recent fire in Weststreet, James Crowther, labourer; was' charged at the Police Court to-day with committing arson, and William Walker, housepainter, was charged with procuring Crowther to commit the crime.

The Crown evidence against Crowther principally consisted of a sensational and elaborate confession by prisoner, who alleged that Walker told him of an opportunity to earn " a few quid." He took him around to Mrs Walker's house in Weststreet, suggesting he should set it on fire. Crowther alleged that Walker, the other prisoner, showed him a lining board ripped off. remarking that "It will make a good draught." He also alleged that Walker said, " If the fire gets a clean swc. p, I get £100 for the furniture and £75 apiece for the two houses." Crowther says Walker showed him the places where the house was worm-eaten, and assured him he could get safely away, and that tlie fire-hose could not reach the building. White Mrs Walker was away Crowther said he visited the house, alleging that Walker and himself made preparations for the tire by opening up Ilax mattresses and nailing sacks over the ground floor windows, Walker remarking, "That wilt make a good start," and promising Crowther £10 as soon as the money was received from the insurance company.

Crowther states he went one Sunday night to bum down Walker's house, but altered his mind and returned home. Walker subsequently called him " a frightened beggar," and offered double the monetary reward. Crowther states that on the night of the 17th April he again visited Walker's house, and placed a piece of buggy candle in the centre of the ground-floor, surrounding it with ilax. Attire occurred, but the brigade extinguished the flames before the house was destroyed. Crowther also alleges that the day the coroner's enquiry opened Walker told him he had them (meaning the jurors) bamboozled, but if anything happened he and his father would stick to Crowther's family. A witness named Campbell, lodging with Crowther, deposed that the latter told him of the arrangement with Walker. He sent an anonymous letter to the police. He heard Walker tell Crowther after the opening of the inquest that he had the authorities beaten. The case is proceeding.