GARAGE SAFE BLOWN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 306, 26 December 1936, Page 7

GARAGE SAFE BLOWN.

SERIES OF MISFORTUNES. FIRE FOLLOWS BURGLARY. » (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) PALMERSTON NORTH, Friday. Safeblowprs visited tlie office of tlie service station of Mr. William Barrett at Pahiatua early tliis morning. The discovery of the burglary was attended by a fire and an accident. 'Die proprietor closed his premises at 11.30 o'clock on Christmas Eve, but at about 2 a.m. he received an urgent call from the town niglitwatchman, Mr. Lowe, who reported that the office was on fire. Mr. Lowe also summoned ihe fire brigade. Mr. Barrett and his son jumped into their motor car, but when they were driving round a corner a door opened, and Mr. Barrett fell out on to the road. He suffered severe face and head injuries, which necessitated medical attention. When the fire was suppressed, the fact that the safe had been blown open was revealed. It was also discovered that entrance to the premises had been gained by breaking a back window. A jemmy was used to force the office door. Cushions, a doormat and overcoats had been packed round the safe to muffle the sound of the explosion. The garage contained four new motor cars, as well as second-hand and private cars and trucks.