SUSPICIOUS FIRES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1600, 19 August 1916, Page 3

SUSPICIOUS FIRES.

THREE OUTBREAKS LAST NIGHT.

ONLY SMALL DAMAGE DONE

Apparently there is a fire fiend at work in Eoxton, no less than three outbreaks being discovered last night, and the circumstances leave no room for doubt but that all three were deliberately set alight. .Fortunately the fires were discovered in the early stages and got in hand before any material damage was done. The first lire occurred in SPEI.RS’ TIMBER YARD in Main Street, and was undoubtedly a deliberate attempt to burn the buildings. In the engine room there was a case containing one tin of oil. This was in a benzine tin, and apparently the person responsible for the lire mistook it for benzine. The oil was taken from the engine room to the opposile end of the building containing the machines, two holes driven in it and the oil allowed to run over some timber and sawdust, and then set alight. Fortunately Mr J. Tyson was ret n ruing home at this time {! 1.45 o’clock), and noticed the fire through the sliding door, which was partly open, lie succeeded in extinguishing the outbreak, and afterwards informed Ihe police. Constable Hanlon proceeded to Mr Speirs* residence to inform him of the outbreak, and whilst there the lire hell rang. Tills proved to be another outbreak in KING’S MILL, the tow shed being well alight. The ringing of (he (ire hell had brought a good number of people to the scene, and a willing “bucket brigade” was soon lighting the Dames. The lire, at one stage, spread to the scutching shed, Iml this was extinguished, and by hard work the out break was confined to the low shed. Tliis building, including a quantity of tow and the press, were tolally destroyed. The damage is estimated at about £IOO. Tin's lire took place about half-past ten, and was discovered by Mr King who, whilst going home smell smoke, and on going to the mill found the tow shed alight. About half-past one a further outbreak was discovered in tin* tow hole ol' the AVVAHOi; MILL. This was found by Mr Jacobson, and had a very small hold when discovered, being extinguished without any damage being done. After the lire in King’s mill tlie vicinity was pa (rolled by the police for some considerable time, and whilst passing the New Zealand Shipping Company’s shed, Constable Hanlon noticed two men standing in (he doorway. On being challenged they made off, one running up the right-of-way between the sited and (he manager’s house, and the other making along the river bank. The night was fairly dark, and it was not difficult for the men to make their escape.

In view of the number of lire l ' that have taken place oi' late, the circumstances oi' which poinl lo incendiarism, mill owners amt others are taking’ steps to appoint night watchmen, am! otherwise keep a watch on their property.