DARING BURGLARY IN QUEENSTREET.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1495, 25 November 1874, Page 3

DARING BURGLARY IN QUEENSTREET.

Early this morning an entrance was effected into the offices of the Norwich Union Insurance Company, Vailes' Buildings, Queen and Wyndham-street, in a most daring manner, such as, we are happy to say is seldom attempted by the housebreakers of Auckland. As is well known the fine block of buildings which includes the Norwich Union offices, has been purchased by the National Bank, and is now in the hands of workmen who are effecting great alterations and improvements such as will render the structure one of the finest m the city. While the. alterations have been going on the lower part of the building has necessarily been open and readily accessible. As it had, however, been completely stripped, no more danger was anticipated from this cause than in the case of a new building, but early this morning the wall dividing the Norwich Union offices from the rest of the building was broken right through. Most fortunately, Mr Graham in his office at the time, no doubt unknown to the burglar, and hearing the noise of breaking through the wall, he waited quietly for the appearance of the yiilian's head, with the intention of seizing it immediately it was thrust through the wall, and of tying the intruder up until handed over to the police. Nearer and nearer came the chipping of the bricks and the thud. of the hammer, and Mr. Graham thought it would be wise to get Constable Mulville with a warrant ready to serve it on the villain instanter. On returning with that efficient officer the opening right through had been effected,^ and the burglar was seized red-banded. He pleads that he is employed by the National Bank to carry out certain alterations to the premises under the directions of Mr Reals, architect, but it is needless to say that such apalpable excuse will not avail, and whether bis at atement is true or no, it is evident that the crime of breaking and entering has been committed, no permission to break through 3H3 having been granted by Mr Graham.