INCENDIARISM IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9174, 18 June 1908, Page 5

INCENDIARISM IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Per Press Association. Christchurch, June 18. Incendiarism is suspected in connection with the fire in the public library. The act is suspected to be that of a crank. Not by any means a skilful attempt was made last evening to destroy a block of buildings in High Street, standing next to Adams’ Star Cycle Company’s premises. The shop of Masters & Son, tailors and mercers, was burned out some months ago and salvage stock removed to the premises in question. A constable noticed a glare in the shop and burst in the door, telling a passer-by to give the alarm. The constable found a heap of clothing on the counter on fire. Pulling it apart he found a piece of piping leading from a gas jet connected with it by rubber tubing. The gas was on and there was a strong flams at the mouth (of the pipe. The brigade checked the outbreak’with a few buckets of water. The back door gate and window were open, a pane near the catch of the window being broken. The 'cash register was open and a cheque and some silver were neatjk pair of steps near the window. Superintendent Smith says the attempt was the most deliberate he has ever seen.