HOUSE SET AFIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1925, Page 1

HOUSE SET AFIRE.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, Dec. 29. A burglary and a tiro occurred at a Eomuera house this afternoon, there being strong evidence to suggest that the two were related. The house is owned and occupied by S. R. Agar, and is at 12, Ascot Avenue. The liotiso was empty in the nfter'Roon. as .Mrs Agar is away on holiday. A neighbour saw a man in the garden, but did not suspect anything. Shortly before half past five, however, tt passer-by saw smoke coming from a window, and lie immediately gave the alarm. The Eemuera anti City Brigades answered the call, ami neighbours gave valuable assistance in putting out the Haines.

It was found that there were no fewer than five distinct fires in the house, two being in the same room. There was also ample indication,s that someone had previously gone to the back of the house, and, finding it impossible to get in. had entered a front room through a French window. Drawers were found pulled out, and the contents thrown about the room, although nothing has yet been found to lie missing. The tires were easily pul, out with buckets of water. In one bedroom slight damage was done to the walls, and in another lied room a. combination chest and clothing were found alight. In the dra,wing room, a chesterfield was damaged by fire. The house and contents aro insured. Alt entry was also made to-day into (he house of C. J. Mahon, Vincent Avenue, Remuera. which is close to Ascot Avenue. When members of the family returned to the house, it was found that drawers had been removed from their places, the contents thrown about, in confusion. The house was found in n stale of upset, hut. in this case, also, nothing has been missed from the rooms. Money and valuables v.ere in the house, but were not laken. A hoy's bicycle, however, is missing. V broken window showed how the intruder entered the house.