SERIOUS CHARGES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 261, 28 June 1932, Page 5

SERIOUS CHARGES

(Press Assn. — 3

alleged attempt to blov/ up competitor's' bus. SUGAR IN BENZINE TANK

5y Telegranh — Copyright.)

MARTON, Monday. In the Marton Court to-day Charles W. Hoffmap was charged that on June 2 he blew up the bus of his competitor, L. S. Weld, on the Marton to Palmerston run, and also had in his possession a bomb with intent to commit a crime. Twenty-six witnesses are to be heard. Only four have so far been disposed of. L. S. Weld told, of Hoffman's efforts to put him off the road and of finding sugar in the benzine tank of his bus. Three other witnesses gave evidence of threats Hoffman made to blow up or burn the bus. "If he can't be got by fair means he can be got by foul," was one statement Hoffman allegedly made, while two of the witnesses told of accused's offer to them if they would i burn the bus. Gelignite Found The outstanding feature of the day's proceedings was the evidence of Constable H. J. Thompson, Marton, who deposed that when accused was arrested two days after the explosion, he had in his possession a note addressed to the police at Marton, , evidently with the intention of removing suspicion to other shoulders. The note read: "The writer of this note wishes to show that Hoffman is not responsible for the blowing np of the bus. I also placed the gelignite in his shed." Hand writing experts declare that it is in Hoffman's hand writing. Constable Thompson said he first accosted Hoffman soon after the explosion and searched him and his house where a bomb, fuse and gelignite and detonators were found. Hoffman had been accosted for riding a bicycle without lights. When asked where he had been, he said he had gone to the station to see a friend off, but would not give the name of the friend. William Ivory, inspecting ordinance officer for the Defence Department, said he examined the fuse and also the fuse found at the scene of the explosion, and they were identical in texture and construction. H. J. Fowler, traffic inspector, said he had occasion to interview Hoffman, who condemned Weld at length. In reply to counsel, witness said that Hoffman suffered under mental strain, Accused pleaded guilty and was committed for sentence, bail being refused.