ALLEGED ARSON

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18723, 25 August 1932, Page 7

ALLEGED ARSON

FIRE AT FRANKTON. BUSINESS MAN ARRESTED. ■MAGISTRATE REFUSES BAIL. Arising out of the fire In Forbes’ billiard saloon, High Street, 'Frankt/on, on Sunday night, George Ira Land appeared before Mr Wyv&rn Wilson, 'S.M., In the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court this morning, charged with wilfully setting Are to the building, thereby committing arson. Detective-Sergeant J. Thompson, in applying for a formal remand until August 31, explained that accused had been arrested at Frankton. only threequarters of an hour before. They probably would not be able to go on with the case on that date and a further remand might be necessary then. Counsel for accused, in applying for bail, said his client had an extensive brush-making business at Frankton, employing two or three travellers and a factory staff of eight. He had been resident" in Hamilton for some years and had four children. There was no likelihood of him leaving the country. Detective-Sergeant Thompson, in strongly opposing the granting of bail told His Worship that last Sundayevening Forbes’ billiard saloon had been wilfully destroyed by lire, about 20 gallons of motor spirit being used to set 'fire to the building. Numerous inquiries concerning the accused and others would have to be made and if the accused were released on bail the ends of justice might be impeded. His Worship said the remand was a short one and owing to the serious nature of the charge and police opposition he would refuse bail in the meantime.