Incendiarism.

New Zealand Police Gazette, Volume I, Issue 11, 19 November 1877, Page 69

Incendiarism.

On the evenings of the 3rd and 7th instant, a gorse fence at Ashburton Forks, Canterbury District, the property of George Church, was wilfully set on fire in several places, by some person or persons at present unknown.

About 3 p.m. on the 3rd instant, the dwelling of Cornelius Flynn, situate on the farm of Mrs. 'Stevenson, East Taieri, Otago District, was discovered on fire by which it and all it contained were destroyed. At an inquest held on the 6th instant, by James Fulton, Esq., Resident Magistrate and Coroner, to inquire as to the cause of the origin of the fire, the following verdict was returned : “ That there is not sufficient evidence to show directly how the fire originated, but there is, in the opinion of the jury, circumstances of grave suspicion against Charles Edward Lloyd, which will justify the police in taking further proceedings in a Court of law.” Lloyd is Irish, 26 years of age, 6 feet high, slight build,. sallow complexion, dark brown hair, small whiskers, chin shaved, smart active appearance ; usually wears grey tweed suit. He is at present employed managing Mrs. Stevenson’s farm.