Extraordinary Case of Arson.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VI, Issue 278, 9 March 1875, Page 7

Extraordinary Case of Arson.

Margaret Baxter Bods, a governess in the family of Mr Gosling, Timaru, has been committed for trial ou a charge of attempted arsOn on her employer's premises. Bail was aiVo'wed iii £IOJO> (Wtho 13th of February, the of Mr Gosling, who resides four miles from Timaru, was discovered to be on fire : in twodifferent places. Shavings, paper, pieces of, wood, and matches were found pushed under the 1 floon The police were sent for, and a watch kept all nighti< -At | half-past four in the morning, a noise of feet was heard in a certain passage. The door of the cottage where the governess slept was seen to open, and marks of muddy feet were seen on the threshold. Five minutes afterwards the door was shut. A pile of sticks and sdravings was found at the spot where the n"ise had been heard. One piece of flaxstick in the pile was found to lit exactly with other pieces afterwards found in the governess's room. The watch was continued. On 1 the 18th, a man named Berry was on the night watch. At half past two in the morning he saw some one pass the window under the verandah, kneel down at a certain spot, and strike a match on the wall. Berry got out of the window, and challenged the person on the verandah, who was the governess. She said she heard' some one about, and was going to see who it was. A quantity of shavings was found under her feet, and jammed in the wall where she struck the match. The governess had not undressed or been in bed tiiat night. A quantity of shavings was found in her bedroom. All her clothes and effects were packed up in a box and travelling bag when she was arrested. The prisoner is quite composed, and says she is innocent, but that appearances are against her. She asked the Inspector whether she would be transported if found guilty. It is a very extraordinary case. She is a woman of good character, is well known in the district, and has property. No motive whatever is apparent for the supposed crime. Her counsel reserves her defence. The evidence is so far circumstantial, but remai'kably strong. The prisoner has tried to implicate ' another person, but not definitely;