HORSES BURNED.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1921, Page 5

HORSES BURNED.

FIRE IN TROTTING STABLES.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.

By Tdegraph.—Press Association,

Auckland, Last Night. A fire which is surrounded by suspicious circumstances occurred at Whaipu, on the shores of the Manukau, last Tuesday evening and damaged property of Mr. W. McMasters, a well-known trotting trainer, to the extent of close on £BOO. Included in the losses is the pacer Lucille, which was burnt to death, another trotter (Norland) being seriously burnt, while two other occupants of the stable, Bluewood and Little Bill, had a lucky escape. By the irony of fate Norland and Lucille were owned by Mr. McMasters, while the two rescued animals, Bluewood and Little Bill, were the property of Mr. Johnston. None of Mr. McMasters’ property or horses was covered-by insurance.

Unusual features of the fire were that settlers in the neighborhood had for some few days experienced thefts from their properties, particular attention being paid to larders’ while outside the gutted stables was discovered, subsequent to the fire, unmistakable evidence of a fire having been kindled and a repast made, and it is surmised this was the origin of the fire.