Vic Student Arsonist

Salient Reporter

A fire broke out in Parliament Buildings at the end of last month.

Four appliances from the Wellington Central Fire Station attended the blaze.

The cause of the fire was not immediately established.

The fire started in a small room on the first floor of the main building. Firemen entered through a side door with their fire-fighting equipment.

Two machines left almost immediately from the scene, and another left shortly afterwards. The last machine left about 40 minutes after the alarm was originally given.

Rumours have been circulating that a Victoria student named Fawkes started the blaze.

It was claimed that Fawkes, who spent his early years in England, thought that the end of August was capping week.

It was alleged that Fawkes hid in Parliament Buildings overnight, cunningly disguised as a gunpowder barrel, and emerged unseen to set fire to Parliament.

The rumour has now been discounted in official circles.