“BOMB” EXPLOSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 May 1934, Page 7

“BOMB” EXPLOSION

GREYM’TH HOUSE ENDANGERED NEXT TO S.M.’s RESIDENCE With a loud report, a miniature home-made bomb, exploded against the side of the house occupied by Mr. L. McMillan, of Albert Terrace, Greymouth, at 1.40 this morning. There was a flourishing young water lily where it, landed, and the lily was blown to pieces. A little earth was disturbed, and the bottom board underneath the verandah, had a few chips torn off it. That, was the extent of the damage. The bark of the bomb was worse than its bite, but this was because the explosion was not confined.

The incident, recalls the activity of bomb throwing in Greymouth during 19.-J2, when, on October 5, Inspector C. M. Lopdell’s residence in Buccleugh Street was damaged. On October 29, 1932, there was a second incident, a bomb being thrown into the Borough Council yards, without doing damage. The third sensation in that year occur-

red when a man was chased over the Blaketowu Bridge by the' police, who later found a sack containing a discarded bomb. In conversation with a “Star” reporter to-day, Mr. McMillan stated that ho did not have any known enemies

in Greymouth, and he did not think the bomb had been intended for him. Mr. McMillan added that it was a deafening report, and the members of his family had been much disturbed over the incident. The house is situated in Albert Terrace, facing Turumaha Street.

In a two-storied building, next to Mr. McMillan’s residence, reside Mr. H. Morgan, S.M., and his family, on the top flat, and on the ground flat reside Mr G. E. Perkins, and his sisters. Miss Perkins was interviewed this afternoon, and she stated that although she heard a very loud report, she was not aware of what caused it. “It was at

an early hour this morning,” Miss Perkins added, “and it seemed to be close, but I thought it might be a blast at the Cobden quarry. My sister did not hear it, but Mrs. Morgan, who has the flat above, heard it, and remarked on it this morning.” When interviewed, Mrs. Morgan stated that she preferred not to make any statement in regard to the incident. •

The scene of the explosion was visited this morning by Detective Knight, and Constable Paddy. They found pieces of fuse, and parts of the mutilated bomb. The opinion held by the police is that the missile was thrown more with the object of intimidation, than with the idea of creating damage, and that it was thrown from Hinchy at the rear of the residences. ANOTHER EXPLOSION. At about the same time as the bomb was thrown, an explosion occurred at the pumping station at Omoto, through a blow-out in the pump. It burst with a loud report, which -was heard by residents a considerable distance away. No actual inconvenience was caused, and the necessary repairs were made this morning.