STARTLING ARRESTS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1928, Page 3

STARTLING ARRESTS

CHARGE OF ARSON. CONSTABLE AND EX-CONSTABLE ARRESTED. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 14. As a sequel to a terrific explosion and fire which completely destroyed a grocer’s shop at the corner of Napier and Sheridan Streets early on the morning of August 29, three men were arrested last night on charges of arson. The accused are: Sydney Francis Waters, aged 33, a police constable stationed at tlio Central Station; Thomas Francis Carroll, aged 29, a member of the force lor some time attached to tho detective office, and James Tnit, aged 32, an Auckland taxi driver.

At the Police Court this morning each accused was charged with wilfully setting fire to a shop and dwelling, the property of James Irwin. Waters, who hail for some time been a caterer at the police barracks, appeared in the dock with his left hand heavily bandaged. Carroll, who had resigned from the force about twelve months ago, and Tait, kept Waters company, in the dock. Chief Detective Hammond said there was another conspiracy pending against the three accused. Carroll was the occupier of the shop. Mr Hunt, S.M., granted a remand until September 20tli. On the police request ho fixed bail in each at £I,OOO and one surety of sell' in £SOO and two other sureties of £250 each. At 12 o’clock bail was not forthcoming. _____