FIRE AT OTAKI HOSTEL.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 22 September 1920, Page 3

FIRE AT OTAKI HOSTEL.

$ CHARGE OF ARSON. Samuel Oilman, a boarder at the Otaki Native hostel, was yesterday charged, before Messrs F. Bennett and H. Freeman. .I's.P., with arson, to wit. setting (ire to the Native hostel. Do tectivc Quirkc, with Constable Sathe: ley, prosecuted.

Webster Harold Wills stated: Accused is a boarder at the college of -which I am the principal. I remember Sunday, September 12th. On Hint date my attention was drawn to a fire at 7.50 a.m. in the pantry of the hostel. When I visited the pantry at the time I saw boys putting out a tire. The walls had caught, and boxes and clothing (produced) were also alight. I did not see the accused at the time, but about twenty minutes later T saw him in the back yard, but we did not discuss the fire. 'Later in the day (about 10 a.m.) I saw the accused in the presence of Constable Satherley. The accused first strenuously denied making the fire, but later (at It a.m.l admitted the offence. I asked him why he set the place on fire, and he made no answer. I suggested it might be because I had strapped him the previous day, and he admitted that was the reason. The boy is a fifth standard lad, but a poo* pupil. I have had him under observation for some time. as he is did] and lacks imagination He has hem at the college for several mouths.

Ruhe Simeon Flegelranb stated: I am 11 years of age and a pupil at the Otaki Native College. 1 know the accused, he being a member of my class. He occupied the same dormitory. I remember the fire ; I got up about 7.3 d a.m. and saw the accused in the dormitory. He was up before T was, and left the room before I did. I went downstairs; I smelt smok"o. and saw some in the passage. I saw cardboard boxes (produced) on fire in the pantry, while a portion of the wall was also alight. I gave an alarm and got some water to put the blaze out. I did not see the accused at the time, but before the fire saw him outside by the washhouse. The accused did not help put out the fire.

Charles Whataron Parata stated: I am ten years of age and a pupil at the college. T know the accused. He occupied the next dormitory to where I sleep. I remember the day of the fire. I arose about r> a.m.. and went downstairs. I saw the accused coming our of the dressing-Toom door, which is about five or six yards from the pantry. I went to the lavatory and he said he'would wait for me. T joined the accused and the two of us went upstairs to our bedrooms. "vTe were in our.pyjamas only and going • back to bed. I went to bed and remained there till about 7.30. when I got up with the rest of the boys. 1 went outside and saw the accused. Constable Satherley. stated: I know the accused, and on September 12th I called al the college and saw the condition of the pantry. I saw the walls charred and smelt kerosene, while a tia half full of kerosene was near. Cardboard boxes and clothing were, in the. vicinity of the fire, having been removed before my arrival. I interviewed several boys, including the accused, who at first denied the charge, but lafvpr made a voluntary statement to rue. I took his statement (produced) down, and he signed it. (In the statement accused admitted the offence, saying that as he had had a hiding he intended to burn down the building, and for this purpose 'poured kerosene on some boxes and set. alight to them. He •went outside ;.nd hid behind the washhouse.' but 'when ; he was told the place was alight.got water/and helpej gut the fire out. He admitted he was sorry * for lighting the firo.) | Accused pleaded, guilty, and was ■committed to the- Supreme Coivrt-fo-r sentence. . .