FURTHER PARTICULARS.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3537, 27 April 1880, Page 2

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

In connection with the attempt to set fire to the Corporation Offices it has been found that about a gallon of kerosene was poured over the floor; table, and books, kept by a clerk named Shaw. Krom enquiries made by the police it was ascertained that yesterday was an audit day. A number of rate book counterfeits had been pulled down from the shelf, and after the oil had been poured over them they had been ranged round Shaw's books in open order, so that they would readily burn. Suspicion was directed to Shaw from the fact that he was most active in suggesting the stories of the account for the fire, pointing out footmarks on the table below the window, which nobody else could see. At last he seemed to become conscious that suspicions pointed to him, and he ( at once went to the" Mayor and confessed that he had been embezzling money belonging to the Corporation, and that he had falsified the books to hide his defalcations; but he denied having set the place on firs. The police since discovered that Shaw purchased the kerosene in bottles which were found in the room. They were bought from Manoy and Co. on Saturday. Shaw is well connected, and has been some years in x the employ of the Corporation. About six months ago he was appointed rate collector, and the supposed defalcations occurred since. He states he has.no idea how much he has embezzled, and it will take the auditors several days to find out, though several specific embezzlements hare already been discovered. Shaw has a wife and large family, and much sympathy is expressed for them. Arthur Sketchley opened to a crowded house last night.