DETONATORS ON RAILS

Evening Star, Issue 23496, 9 February 1940, Page 8

DETONATORS ON RAILS

THE TRAM TRACK SENSATIdN SINISTER VIEW TAKEN [Fit United Press Association.] WELLINGTONj February 8. With two explosions oh * Wellington tram tracks within 12 hours And-the probability that these were caused by the placing of explosive charges on the 1 tracks and their firing by contact, with tram wheels, a sinister complexion is cost on the occurrences. Detectives are investigating both occurrences, 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 took place' '.on Wednesday night at 9.35 on the Berhampore section of the Island Bay line, when the force of the explosion forced up the floor boards in the’ front of a • tram, shattered and cracked the windows, and brought the tram to an abrupt halt. After being towed to the Newtown car barns the mechanism of the car was found to be in full running order, and the car was driven under its own power to the main sheds at Kilbirnie. This effectively disposed of any possibility that the explosion arose from an electrical fault in the motor* or control. A 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 tramways department of the City Corporation, Mr W. Cable, stated today that the explosion was evidently caused by a charge placed on the car track, and the police were making investigations, tramway officers assisting where possible. ‘ , Analytical experiments will be earned out in an effort to ascertain the type of explosive used, and to decide whether the charge was of the “ homemade ” variety. _ . To-day in Vivian street, in the city area, between 9 and 10 aim., thereiwae a further explosion on a tram track. This time it was not so great as that of the previous night, and of a force moderate enough to suggest that' it resulted from the use of a standard detonator or a heayy percussion cap.