Train Carried 60 Tons Of Coin

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31409, 30 June 1967, Page 1

Train Carried 60 Tons Of Coin

Two police dogs, sitting up on the carriage seats on a train carrying about 60 tons of decimal coins on the way from Christchurch to Invercargill, were an arresting sight during the distribution of the new money in the South Island.

The manager of the Reserve Bank in Christchurch (Mr E. C. Robinson) said yesterday that more than $25 million had been distributed from the bank vaults to 38 banks in Christchurch and Akaroa, 14 banks on the West Coast, and 80 banks from Ashburton to Invercargill. About 60 tons of money had gone south in the special express goods train, 5j tons

had been taken by rail to Greymouth, Hokitika and Westport, and 40 tons had been distributed to banks in metropolitan Christchurch, Akaroa, and towns like Rangiora.

The first consignment of coins had arrived by ship at Lyttelton in January. The new Reserve Bank vaults had been completed 10 months before, and all was ready for storage of the money. The notes for Christchurch arrived by air on many flights. The amount carried on any one flight was limited in case of an accident “The coin arrived direct from the Royal Mint and was packed in old ammunition boxes for distribution,” Mr Robinson said. “The police and the Army played a most important part and did it very well. We owe them a lot of thanks. Reserve Bank staff were working here in Christchurch for months in preparation, and also worked for weeks preparing for and overseeing distribution.” More than 20 policemen,

under Inspector T. V. Thomson, and seven soldiers, were on the money train south. Some of them were armed. Distribution to banks in the various centres was made from the train at sidings, the money being taken by truck to the banks. Policemen and soldiers escorted these trucks.

A police car followed the train south, and also followed the train to the West Coast.

Detective Inspector M. T. Churches and Senior-Sergeant D. B. Reade, were in charge of police protection and escort duties. The money for the banks in Christchurch and surrounding districts was carried on the decks of trucks, the ammunition boxes being covered by tarpaulins. All deliveries to banks were made in daylight. Police cars and Army vehicles travelled in front and behind the trucks carrying the money. Soldiers and policemen, many in plain clothes, formed a ring outside the bank entrances while the money was being unloaded.