ATTEMPTED INCENDIARISM.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 222, 24 September 1870, Page 2

ATTEMPTED INCENDIARISM.

About 10 o'clock last night a diabolical attempt wa3 made to burn down a house in Rutland-street. It appears that about that hour a gentleman at a little distance saw a blaze suddenly flare up against the side of the store of Mr. Duffy, and at the same time heard a man running off. A person passing kicked away the blazing substance, and the fire was extinguished by the timely application of a bucket of water from a neighboring hotel. The store had been closed, and the owner and his wife were taking a walk, but in the neighboring houses, which are all attached, several persons had gone to bed, one of tbem a very aged woman ; and from the inflammable character of the buildings, the success of the incendiary would almost surely have resulted in loss of life. We have seen a portion of the substance used to fire the budding, which has been picked up by a gentleman and brought to our office. It consists of pieces of paper, kauri gum, match boxes, and other substances, and all saturated with kerosene. It is evident that the villainous preparations were carefully and judiciously made, and, being ignited, laid against the wall designedly. So far'- as we can find, malice seems to be the only motive for the attempt. It appears that Mr. Duffy has been pressing some parties for payment of accounts due ; and on more than one occasion threats have been used by persons that " they would pay him." It is believed that the clue is found, and that a persou suspected is the guilty party, and we have no doubt that in the hands of our detectives, the scoundrel wiU soon be brought to account.