The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 1916. THE FIRE FIEND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1600, 19 August 1916, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 1916. THE FIRE FIEND.

IS there n II iv Head or Heads in our midst? Incipient tires have lieen frequent of Into. Air King’s mill laid a narrow escape a shun lime ago, as did Goldingham and Beckell’s store shed, and a few nights after there were two outbreaks in the Cordage Co.'s mills, and last night there was another lire which destroyed Air Kind’s tow shed adjacent to the mill, and at a later hour a (ire was discovered in the Awahon Co.’s mill, while a deliberate attempt was made earlier in the night to lire Air H. N. Speirs’ limber yard. Particulars of these fires are set out elsewhere in this issue. The circumstances surrounding the outbreaks point to deliberate incindiarism by some person or persons of criminal tendencies. We are informed that certain mill owners have been in receipt of anonymous threats of destruction of property if the services of certain employees are not dispensed with. Whatever is-actuating 1 the lire raiser in his criminal proceedings is not delinitely known, but a feeling of unrest has been caused no! only among millers, but by business people and householders. The millers hare appointed night watchmen, and others are taking steps to keep a sharp look-out for persons unlawfully on or about their premises. The police are making investigations, and it is hoped as a result that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.