Envelope test results expected today

Press, 30 August 1985, Page 4

Envelope test results expected today

PA Rotorua The results of tests on a handibag envelope found in the lounge of a bombed Rotorua house could be made known today. Rotorua police believe the envelope might have contained a parcel bomb. It was delivered to the Norrie Place house on Monday afternoon about 1% hours before an explosion in the house.

The blast killed Mrs Michele Sticovich and seriously injured her visiting friend, Mrs Paula Andersen. The yellow handibag was sent to the D.S.I.R. Wellington for fingerprinting, handwriting, and explosives tests.

Detective Inspector Philip

Seaman, of the Rotorua C. 1.8., expects a report on the results of the tests, which included an examination of the postmark, this morning. The police homicide inquiry hinges on the Post Office employee who received the parcel for posting. A national appeal has been made for information about 500 mm x 300 mm post office handibags sent to Rotorua during the week preceding the bombing. Mr Seaman wants people who sent such parcels to the city to get in touch with the police. Rotorua people who received handibags from outside the area are being asked to come forward.

In that way the police could match reports they have had from Post Office employees with legitimate parcels and narrow down inquiries, said Mr Seaman. The police hope numerous people will approach them. They have had several reports from Post Office staff from many parts of New Zealand who handled the same type and size of envelope.

Police and D.S.I.R. bomb experts have continued to search for clues to the type of explosive device used at the house.

Last evening they finished their check of material blown on to neighbouring properties by the blast and

will turn their attention to 5 Norrie Place today.

A D.S.I.R. forensic scientist, Mr Lionel Sharman, has returned to Wellington, but his colleague, Mr Peter Wilson, who worked on the Wellington Trades Hall bombing last year, will continue working at the scene. A Kaitaia man, aged 30, was arrested in Kaitaia on Wednesday and charged with possession of explosives, said the Whangarei police yesterday. He was released to appear in the District Court at Kaitaia on September 16.

The arrest was made during inquiries in Kaitaia into the blast at the Rotorua house.