SAFE BLOWN OPEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23356, 26 May 1939, Page 12

SAFE BLOWN OPEN

POST OFFICE ROBBERY EIGHTH ILLEGAL VISIT MONEY AND STAMPS STol©{ DAMAGE BY fimosiOS [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDED] 111 HAMILTON-, Thursday For the eighth time, and for ti» second time within a week, the Whatawhata Post Office has been entered bv thieves, the latest occs.sion being this morning. Explore, were again used, and this time extensive damage was done. The office was entered through breaking a back window during Mondav night and explosives were found in tV lock when the office was opened nest morning. The explosives, however had not been discharged, and apart from the broken window no damage was done and no loss suffered. More Determined Efloit ~ A more determined effort was made this morning. Entry was again gained through breaking a back window, a heavy charge of gelignite was used on the safe lock, and the detonation not only smashed the door of the safe, But sent pieces of metal flying throughout the building. Some of the pieces penetrated tho furniture and damaged it. The contents of the office were scat/ tered about. Sacks and curtains were used' to deaden the sound of the explosion which was not heard-by any of the residents "'in the neighbourhood. The stopping of the office clock at 2 a.ra, indicated the time the explosion oc. curred. Scene of Confusion A scene of confusion was presented when the postmistress, Miss A. M Adolpli, who lives some distance away, opened the office for business at'B.3o a.m. to-day. The safe was open and i the cash-box was on a table near by. About £5 in money and stamps to the value of £8 were missing. The cost of repairing the damage done to the safe and building is greater than the value of the money and stamps taken. . The Whatawhata Post Office is a small wooden structure of two apartments standing alone several rliai> s away from any other building. No one lives on the premises, c