SUSPICIOUS FIRE AT WAIMATE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2181, 15 March 1880, Page 2

SUSPICIOUS FIRE AT WAIMATE.

On Saturday Mr Bectham held an enquiry in reference to tlic recent attempted incendiarism at the premises of Manchester Brothers, storekeepers, Waimatc.

Inspector Pender watched the proceedings on behalf of the police. After the premises were inspected, J. E. Pout, Manager of the Union Bank, at Waimate, deposed that at 3 o’clock on the morning of the Bth inst. his attention was arrested by a gleam of light on the ceiling of his bedroom, and on looking from a window he observed a light under Manchester’s verandah, opposite. He dressed himself, and went out as far as the gate on the Bank premises. Everything was (lien quiet, and ho saw no light. He waited about fora little while, and then went inside the Bank. He went upstairs to go to bed again, but thought lie would lirst go to the window and look out again. Jfe then saw a strong light on Mr L. Price’s wall. He went out again, and went round to the back of Manchester & Co.’s premises, and saw a part of them on lire. It seemed as if only just lighted. He called out “Eire,” and went across to the Bank and got some water, with which he put the lire out. He next went to George Manchester’s residence, a few chains away, and found the occupier outside with a horse preparing to go to his farm at Waitaki. A caudle that had been alight in a lamp on a block of stone outside Manchester A Co.’s premises now being erected, when he lirst

went over, was out when he went a second time, and taken away. John Manchester, senior partner in the firm, deposed to a portion of the stock having been removed in order that a portion of the premises might be pulled down. He valued the stock so removed at £ISOO to £2OOO, The whole stock was insured for £6500, and the building for £250. He valued the stock on the Bth of March at about £12,000. After being called up early that morning, he went to Sergeant Gilbert, and they both inspected the burnt part of the premises. Saw some partly burned flannel saturated with kerosene, which he gave to the sergeant. From the appearance of the place there must have been at least haif-a-pint of kerosene used to kindle the fire. George Manchester, a partner in the firm, deposed to arriving from his farm at Waitaki, where he had been harvesting during the week, on the Saturday night, and as the reaping machines would be idle till his return, he got up a little before fi a.ra. on Monday morning and saddled his horse. Mr Rout came to him and told him about the attempted fire, at the store. He went over with him and inspected the part burnt. He then went away to his farm, but called up his brother, John Manchester, on the road. Several assistants in the employ of Manchester and Co. gave evidence as to the value of the stock, and Sergeant Gilbert proved the discovery of the combustibles. An open verdict was returned.