Arson.

New Zealand Police Gazette, Volume XXIII, Issue 21, 11 October 1899, Page 219

Arson.

New Plymouth.— On the 23rd ultimo an unoccupied house on the Carrington Road, the property of David Jones, carpenter, was destroyed by fire, which is supposed to have been wilfully caused. It was insured for £SO in the New Zealand Office, that amount being considered to be its full value.

Palmerston North.— On the 11th ultimo, at about 1.30 a.m., the Empire Hotel, occupied by George Nathan, licensee, was found to be on fire, the damage being estimated at £7OO. The building was insured by the owners in the National and Commercial Union offices for £1,200; and the furniture, stock, &c., by the licensee in the Royal and Commercial Union offices for £650. -On this occasion it was thought that the fire was accidentally caused. On the 28th ultimo the hotel was again found to be on fire, the building being damaged to the extent of about £9O, and a quantity of rags, paper, &0., saturated with kerosene, were found where the fire originated. An inquest was held, and the jury returned a verdict to the effect that the place had been wilfully set on fire by some person unknown.

Lawrence. —On the 26th August last the State school at Rongahere, valued at £3OO, was destroyed by fire, and at an inquest a verdict was returned to the effect that the building was wilfully set on fire by some person or persons unknown. No insurance.