INCENDIARISM IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2221, 19 June 1908, Page 2

INCENDIARISM IN CHRISTCHURCH.

FIRE IN A SHOP ~ A CONSTABLE’S PROMPTITUDE. [Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, June 18. A deliberate attempt to destroy the block of buildings standing next to the Adams Star Cycle Co.’s premises in High Street was made last evening. The shop of Messrs Masters and Son, tailors and mercers, was burned out some months ago m the fire which occurred in the Wiltshire Buildings, and the salvage stock was removed to a shop in the buildings next to Messrs Maine Bros.’ old boot store, where the firm continued business. Shortly after eleven o’clock last evening, Constable Pender, who was oil duty in High Street, noticed a glare in the shop of Messrs Masters and Son. lie burst in the door at once, telling a passer-by to give the alarm. Oil entering tlio shop tlio constable found a heap of clothing alight on the counter, and, on pulling it apart, lie discovered a "iece of piping leading from, a gas jet and connected to it by rubber tubing. The gas was on, and there was a strong flame at the mouth of the pipe. By this time the fire brigade, which had turned out very quickly, had arrived, and a few buckets of water sufficed to quell the outbreak. All examination of the premises' showed that tlio back door gate and window wore open, a pane having, been broken near the catch of tlio window. The cash register was open, and a chequo and some silver were lying near it. A pair of steps was standing by tbe window. Tlie damage' only amounted to a few pounds, but had tli© constable’s good •judgment not prompted him to break open the front door the firo might have been, very serious.

Superintendent Smith stated thattbe attempt was one of the most deliberate lie had ever seen, and there was no telling what might have happened bad not. the constable acted promptly. There was no one connected with tbe firm available to gather particulars of insurances from. The building was placed under a guard of two constables, and some detectives began to make inquiries immediately after the outbreak. It seems to be fairly apparent that robbery w r as not the object of tlie intruder’s visit. Tlio cash register bad been broken open, but neither tlio silver nor tlio cheques in it were taken.

The police were in possession of the premises to-day, and it is understood that they have secured photographs of finger prints impressed on the window. Mr. Masters is offering £IOO reward for information which will lead to tlio conviction of tlie inoendiarisfc. The insurances were £SOO on tbe stock in the Royal Exchange, and £BSO on tlio stock and furnishings in the Australian Alliance. The total damage is estimated at £IOO,