FIRE IN A GARAGE.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18339, 27 May 1931, Page 10

FIRE IN A GARAGE.

CHARGE OF ARSON. LABOURER IN COURT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.') WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Hilton Herbert Brookes, aged, 25 vears labourer, was charged before Mr Hewitt, S.M., with wilfully setting Are to Birkett Sons’ garage on Thorndon Quay on April 20. • _ Formal evidence similar to that at the recent magisterial inquiry into -the cause ,of the Are was given by Edward Percival Lambert and, Superintendent Creeke, of the Are brigade, and by Richard Andrew Evans, accountant employed by Messrs Van Staveren Bros., acting trustees of yie Lionel Caselberg Estate, in regard to, the building being insured for £6OO and .damaged to/the extent of .£685. He had no. record of ac used having any interest in the building.: ~ Nancy F. Lambert gave evidence of seeing a man,"' who .appeared to jump out of a hole in a window of the garage and into a car waiting nearby. She described how her father followed this car in his .own car, and described the car as a coupe, either green or blue in colour. .

Edwin Thomas Skews, who was, prior to the Are, foreman mechanic at the garage, said there was a Durant coupe in the garage. It was used by everybody, mostly by Turnbull, the secretary. It was dark green in colour. Witness believed Turnbull said something that day about having to see Brookes after he had tea. Turnbull left the garage at 7 p.m. for the purpose of having tea, and witness understood the appointment was for some time later in the evening. Turnbull did not say where or at what time he had to see Brookes.