Burglars Blew The Bank

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31027, 5 April 1966, Page 3

Burglars Blew The Bank

(N Z. Press .UsocitiDotH HAMILTON, April 4

Burglars blew up the Waikato Savings Bank branch in Te Kuiti early this morning but the blast was so big. it woke the town and the shaken thieves fled.

In a safe in the floor containing about £lOOO in cash the rolls of notes were compacted by the blast, but officials say the notes are redeemable.

The safe was ripped open by the blast. The "rent of the bank, about 30 feet from the safe, was blown out.

The police detained two men for questioning.

Detective N. Menzies, said the blast was heard all over town. Employees of the Peter Pan Bakeries rushed to the scene after the explosion.

"This quick action prevented the burglars from returning to the bank for the money,” said Detective Menzies.

The safe-blowers used sawdust from a butcher's shop to tamp the charge they laid.

Shops in the block

were without water this morning, because the blast had ripped open a main set in concrete under the safe. Mr S. R. Mcßobic. manager of the Waikato Savings Bank at Hamilton. said the branch would function as usual.

“We’re moving to premises near the Workingmen's Club until the damage Is repaired.” he said. “This is likely to take a week or so.” The Te Kuiti branch was burgled a few weeks ago. but nothing was taken.