A Singular Discovery

Hastings Standard, Issue 115, 8 September 1896, Page 2

A Singular Discovery

AN INGENIOUS PLACE FOR A

DISTILLERY

Auckland, Sept. 7.

While some alterations were being made in a building in Rutland-street some workmen made rather a singular discovery. Recently the inspector of factories ga,ve notice to Mr Edgar Winter, who is proprietor of the Auckland Patent Company, and partner in the firm of N. J. Coleman and Co., carrying on business in Rutland-street, that certain alterations would have to be made for the convenience of the girls on the premises. The two businesses referred to are in one block of buildings. A carpenter and plumber were put on to make alterations, which necessitated pulling down a bath in one of the rooms. In doing this the workmen came across some suspiciouslooking pipes. Winter was informed of the discovery, and he at once notified the Customs. Upon a Customs officer visiting the premises he gave instructions to take down the walls, as what had been discovered was not sufficient to prove it was a still. The walls were accordingly taken down, and a secret door discovered, which was forced open with the result that a complete distillery plant was unearthed. Nothing definite has yet been decided upon as to what will be done with the plant.