LAKES OF WHISKY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18101, 27 May 1922, Page 2 (Supplement)

LAKES OF WHISKY.

WANTON IRISH DESTRUCTION.

£1,000,000 OF SPIRIT WASTED.

From Dublin comes a telling story of a j boycott coup, carried out by an Irish j rebel gang, which resulted in the wanton destruction of thousands of casks of whisky, valued approximately at one million pounds. One night early in April a large gang of men raided thu Dublin Customs House bonded stores, North Wall, and destroyed 6000 casks, containing 500,000 gallons of whisky, stated to be the property of Messrs. Dunville, Belfast, of which company Sir James Craig, the Northern Premier, is chairman. Although no accurate estimate of the damage can bo formed, it is believed it will amount to over £1,000,000. The destruction of the property was carried out in connection with the rebel boycott of Belfast goods. Nearly 200 armed men, who, provided with the necessary implements, invaded the bonded stores, held up the watchmen and some policemen who were on duty. Wading Waist-Deep. By using heavy sledge hammers and other implements, the gang smashed the whisky casks, and only a small number were left untouched. Ixjiig rows of casks were dealt with systematically hour after hour. At some parts of tlie premises, which cover several acres, the spirits formed huge lakes. Floors were dug up at many points with spades and shovels in order that the liquor could ooze through the earth, bub the soil did not prove as absorbant as expected.

As cask after cask was crashed open the liquid filled the vaults, '"and before the work of destruction was completed the invaders were wading in some places waist-deep in whisky. About 3 "o'clock in the moraine the gang ceased work, having been over five hours engaged in their task. Then they released the watchmen and police, who had been held captive all the time. A large quantity of spirits had been in b'ond for Tnore than 10 years, and was very valuable.