EXPLOSIONS IN WELLINGTON

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22940, 9 February 1940, Page 8

EXPLOSIONS IN WELLINGTON

POWCE INVESTIGATIONS UNDER WAY CHARGES PLACED ON TRAM traces n>asas isgoeufms txuseiAM-.) WELLINGTON, February ?. ' With two explosions on the Wellington tram tracks within 12 hours, and the probability that these were caused by the placing of explosive charges on the tracks and their firing by contact with the tram wheels, a sinister complexion is east on the occurrences. Detectives are investigating both incidents, and electrical sub-stations and power distribution points are being closely watched lest the activities of those responsible for'the. explosions be carried to other spheres. The first explosion was on Wednesday night at 0.35, on the Berhampore section ol the island Bay line, when the explosion forced up the floorboards in front of the tram, shattered and cracked windows, and brought the tram to an abrupt halt, After being towed to Newtown car barns the mechanism of the car was found to be in lull running order, and the car was driven under its own power to the main sheds at Kiibirnie. This effectively disposed of any possibility that the explosion arose from an electrical fault in the motors or control. Close examination went to show that the force of the explosion was much greater than that from a standard detonator! The general manager of the Tramway Department of the City Corporation (Mr-M, Cable) said to-day that the explosion was evidently caused by a charge placed on the ear track, and the police were making investigations, Analytical experiments will be carried out in an effort to ascertain the type of explosive used and to decide whether the charge was of a “homemade” variety. To-day, in Vivian street, in the city, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m„ there was a further explosion on a tram track. This time it was not so great as that of the previous night. If was of force moderate enough to suggest that it wag caused by a standard detonator or heavy percussion cap.