INVERCARGILL.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3388, 31 October 1879, Page 4

INVERCARGILL.

Last night. The "way Xnsuyaaos Companies are Bookeci. The remanded Mattira arson ease came on for hearincr at the Police Court this morning. Fourteen witnesses were examined, including some of the principal residents of the district. The most iraportant evidence was given by Constable Fleetwell, who swore to the footprints about the house after the fira, being identified with tbe boots worn by the prisoner, who, on being arrested by him and Detective Twohey, admitted having fired thehoilding fora rnnnetury consideration at the request of Duncan Cameron. The latter was charged asan accessory. He, when arrested, also admitted his guilt, stating that he received his instructions from Donald McKay, a well-known con. tractor, who was also charged with leading and procuring Wheddon to do the deed. "When arrested some days since both Cameron and Wheddon admitted their guilt, but McKay held oat The evidence to-day tended to phoiv that; the building was bought from Hugh Cameron for £20, removed on to a vacant section,, and theu insured for £170 in the New Zealand office—the polity having a currency of only two months, the premium paid being 8s 9d. The policy had only ran one month when the fire took place. On the application of Inspector Fox the accused were further remanded for eight days to allow further investigation. A man named Joseph Weston .was pufc in a stable at Elbow the other evening in a drunken state and sot fire to some straw. He wes brought up nt the Police Court this morning, and remanded for eight days. A welcome rnin fell last night. The progress of vegetation is astounding. Professor Taylor and Lillie, known in the North states are performing here.