HOLES BORED IN DOOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 112, 13 May 1926, Page 8

HOLES BORED IN DOOR.

OF CITY COUNTING HOUSE.

TWO YOUNG MEN CHARGED. SENT UP FOR TRIAL. Two young men, George Edward Welch (Mr. Matthews) and Reginald Clarence Watson (20), appeared at the Police Court to-day on charges of breaking and entering the counting house of the Fletcher Construction Company, in Nelson Street, with intent to commit a crime, when they each pleaded not guilty and were committed to the Supreme Court for trial. According to the evidence, both men were seen about 8 o'clock on the night of April 27 outside the Fletcher Construction Company's premises. The nightwatehman, Mr. Foran, said that he was standing near his gate about 40 yards from the counting house and factory, when he heard the sound of steel striking concrete. Looking down the road he saw one man working at the door, while the other was keeping watch. Witness immediately telephoned to the detective office, and Detectives Moon and Smyth were soon upon the scene. Both men were chased and captured.

Detective Moon said that Welch was found to be in possession of a piece of fuse, also a pair of socks. Welch said that he picked the fuse up in the street. Tn Welch's room, which was afterwards searched, witness found a piece of burnt fuse in the fireplace, while high upon a shelf he found halt a plug of gelignite. Welch told witness that he did not know how the fuse and gelignite happened to be in his room, but mentioned that, some quarreymen had previously occupied the same room. He also said that if he was let off lightly lie would tell witness who it was that did the "job" at the Thames Hotel and the persons who were taking motor cars in Auckland.

In statements which were produced both accused denied all knowledge of the affair.

It was stated that four holes were bored in the door witli a 1-inch augur. The augur, also a hacksaw and file and two fuses with detonators attached, were produced by the police.