CONFESSION OF THE NGAHAURANGA HOTEL FIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 53, 5 March 1915, Page 6

CONFESSION OF THE NGAHAURANGA HOTEL FIRE.

■ Alleged Incendiarism

Peb Press Association. 'Wellington, March 5. There has been an interesting development concerning a charge of incendiarism against three men (Charles Edmunds, Walter Balch and Arthur Geo. Young), in connection with the destruction by fire of the old White Horse Hotel at Ngahauranga (which is now in a no-license district) in July 19th last, Detective-Sergeant Rawle produced in Court a written statement by recused Edmunds, in which he alleged the accused said to him in Wellington ther night of the fire: "She is going up to-night," moaning the White Horse Hotel, in which he (Young) was interested. The three men walked out to Ngahauranga and entered the hotel, which was empty. Young got through a window and opened a side door for his companions to enter. They jointly placed some sacks in a cupboard under the stairs, where there was already some old lamps and vessels that had contained oil. Young set alight to the collection and afterwards did the same thing to an old couch in another room, after ripping it open and pouring kerosene upon the stuffing. Edmunds was present in that room, while Balch watched outside on the road. Edmunds, continuing the statement, says he had an interest in the hotel, but received £lO from YoYung on the following Sunday. As the matter worried him, lie decided to confess. When Balch was arrested he said he was innocent. Further hearing of the case was adjourned till Wednesday next.