Wellington Tram Track Explosions Considered Sinister

Northern Advocate, 9 February 1940, Page 2

Wellington Tram Track Explosions Considered Sinister

[Per ' Press Association. Copyright] WELLINGTON, This Day. With two explosions on the Wcl- | lington tram track within 12 hours, and the probability that these were caused by the placing of explosive charges on the track and their firing by contact with the tram wheels, a sinister complexion is cast c rn the occurrences. Detectives are investigating both incidents, and electric sub-stations and power distribution points are being closely watched. Not Electric Fault. The first explosion was on Wednesday night at 9.35, when an explosion forced up the floor boards in the front of the tram, shattered and cracked the windows and brought, the tram to an abrupt halt. After the vehicle had been towed to the car barns, .it, was found that the median ism was in full running order This effectively disposed of any possibility that. ' the explosion arose from an electric fault in the motors or control. A close examination went to show that the force of the explosion was much greater than that from a standard detonator. Charge on Track. The general manager of the Tramways Department of the City Corporation (Mr M. Cable) stated yesterday that the explosion was evidently caused by a charge placed on the track, and the police arc- making investigations. officers assisting where possible. Analytical experiments will he carried out in an effort to ascertain the type of explosive used . and to decide whether the charge was of the home-made variety. The explosion in the second instance yesterday morning was not so severe, and was moderate enough to suggest that it. resulted from a standard detonator or heavy percussion cap. i Second Blast. The second explosion occurred in Vivian Street in the city shortly after 9 o’clock.