SCHOOLBOY’S TREASURE TROVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3830, 9 August 1927, Page 27

SCHOOLBOY’S TREASURE TROVE.

JEWELLERY FOUND IN SANDHILLS.

PROCEEDS OF MANY BURGLARIES.

Many of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding district who suffered from the depredations of a burglar during the early part of this year were gratified to learn from the detective office that their property had been recovered, and was awaiting identification at the Police Station.

A schoolboy named Roy Johnston, who resides at Queen’s Drive, Musselburgh, whilst playing ou the sandhills near St. Kilda on Saturday morning, kicked something hard buried in the sand. On investigating more closely he fouud it to be a small composition attache case, which, when opened, disclosed to view an extraordinary'collection of jewellery. The boy immediately took his treasure trove to the St. Kilda police station, whence it was taken to the central station and given into the charge of the detectives.

Viewed by our representative at the detective office on Sunday evening the contents of the case presented an amazing sight. The thief, whoever he was, apparently had a wide taste in jewellery, and had selected with taste rather than discernment. The collection, which would certainly not be undervalued at £4OO, comprised a great assortment of articles, ranging from tawdry gilt brooches to magnificent diamond rings.

Chains there weye in plenty—silver chains, gold chains, gilded chains, and jet chains. Imitation pearl and jet necklaces lay cheek by jewel with dainty little jewelled necklets. A round dozen of bracelets of all descriptions were among the find, and no fewer than eight watches, two of silver and six of geld, waiting to be returned to. their owners. Several jewel caskets which had evidently been lifted regardless of their contents, contained a heterogeneous collection of brooches and trinkets. Many of them, it could be seen, were heirlooms, and, for the most part, although off little intrinsic value, were doubtless treasured by their owners.

As evidence of the remarkable variety of the haul, a Masonic jewel, case and all, and a lady’s handbag were also included in it.

From the fact that the greater number of the articles recovered were .eported as missing about the beginning of the year, the police are of the opinion that they are the proceeds of a scries of burglaries which occurred about that time.