Confessed Arson.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8192, 18 May 1906, Page 6

Confessed Arson.

A Senftatfonal Case, (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND. May 15. In connection with the recent fir© in West-street, James Crowther, labourer, was charged at the Police Court to day with committing arson, and William Walker, house-painter, was charged with procuring Crowther to commit the crime. The Crown ovidenoo against Crowthor principally consisted of an elaborate confessiou. Crowthor alleged that Walker told him of an opportunity to earn "n few quid." He took him around to Mrs Walker's house in West-street, suggesting ho should set it on iiro. Crowthor alleged that Walker, tho other priaoner, showed him a lining board ripped oil", remarking that "It will make a good draught.' We also alleged that Wa ker naid, " If the fire gets a clean sweep I get CUM) for the furniture and £75 apiece for the two houses." Crowther says Walker showed him the two places where the house was wormeaten, and assured him he could get safely away, and that the fire hose could not reach the building. While Mrs Walker was away Crowther said he visited the house, alleging that Walker and himself made preparations for the fire hj* opening up flax mattresses and nailing sacks fover the ground floor windows, Walker remarking, " That will make a good start," and promising Crowther £10 as soon as the money was received from the insurance company. ! Crowther states ho went ono Sunday night to burn down Walker's house, but altered his mind and returned home. Walker subsequently called him M a frightened beggar" and offered double the monetary reward. Crowther states that on the nidit of the 17th April ho again visited Walker's house, and placed a piece of bugpy candle in the centre of the ground tloor, surrounding it with flax. A ti<*e occurred but the brigade extinguished the flumes before the house was destroyed. Crowther also alleges that the day the coroner's inquiry opened Walker told him he had thcui (meaning tho jurors) bamboozled, but if anything happened be and his father would stick to Crowthor's family. A witness named Campbell, lodging with Crowther, deposed that the latter told him of the arrangement with Walker. lie sent an anonymous letter to the police. He heard Walker tell Crowther after the opening of the inquest that he had the authorities beaten. Crowther, who pleaded guilty to committing arson, gave evidence against Walker on the lines of his (Oowlher's,) confession to the police. AUCKLAND, May 16.

A second case arising out of the inquiry hold into the circumstances surrounding a fire at a house in West-street, owned by Margaret Walker, on April 17th. was heard at the Police Court. William Walker, husband of Margaret Walker, by occupation a house-painter, was charged with having procured .lames Crowtlser to get the house on fire. Crowther lias already confessed to setting the house on lire. After hearing the evidence, accused reserved his? defence pleading not guilty. He was committed to the .Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed.