COSTLY FROCKS STOLEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19738, 10 September 1927, Page 10

COSTLY FROCKS STOLEN.

SHIPMENT FROM SYDNEY.;

GOODS REMOVED FROM CASE.

PAPER PACKING SUBSTITUTED.

Twelve frocks, valued at £7O, were stolen from a case of goods which reached Auckland from Sydney by the Ulimaroa this week.

The frocks were packed in a cardboard box tied with thick twine and placed in a wooden case fastened with ironbands. A business firm took delivery of the case on Thursday and before its removal from the wharf an inspection was made. The case was opened in the presence of customs officers, who examined three of the frocks to see whether the material was the same as stated in the invoice. When the case was opened the twine had to be cut before the cardboard box could be opened, and to all appearances the box had not beer, tampered with.

It was not until the case was examined in the firm's premises that the theft was discovered. When the box was unpacked and the frocks counted it was found that twelve of the most costly ones were missing from the bottom and in their place there was paper packing, which had been put in to make the box appear to be full.

It is considered the theft took place before the case was delivered to the shipping company in Sydney. That is also the opinion of Captain C. E. Hood, marine surveyor for the Underwriters' Association, who examined the case and inquired into the matter. Fortunately for the business firm; the case was insured against pillage.