SUSPICIOUS SHIPMENT TO DUNEDIN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 660, 26 March 1879, Page 2

SUSPICIOUS SHIPMENT TO DUNEDIN.

A London correspondent m his latest communication writes thus : They have got an exciting story about a box on the Glasgow Exchange, which you may hear the end of sooner than we can do, as it takes place m New Zealand. A messenger-afc-arms lately went down to the town of Renfrew to make enquiries about a curious box alleged to have been made by a local joiner. He ascertained that the order for it had been given about the end of October, three weeks after the stoppage of the Glasgow Bank. That it had beon made of inch and a quarter deal, hooped with iron, the strongest thing of its kind that the artist could produce. From the joiner it went to the local tinsmith, and received from him a lining of his best tin. When finished m the most workmanlike manner it was sent to Elderslie House for the gentleman who had ordered it, no other thnn Mr. James Morton, of Glasgow Bank celebrity. Mr. Morton is or was a man of fastidious tastes, and a great patriot. He rented Elderslie House at a high figure on account of its connection with the legendary exploits of Wallace. Hisneighbors became curious about the mysterious box m which he took so much interest, and wondered why he had not got it made m Glasgow at half the expense m one of the shipping-case factories. Soon after it had been sent home the local carrier, who conveys parcels between Renfrew and Glasgow, was ordered to call for a box to take to the Broomielaw. It did not look very large — three feet square aud two feet deep. He attempted to hoist it into his cart tenderly, but it declined to move. A man was called to his assistance, but the two could not prevail on it to rise. Ultimately four of them had to put their hands to it, and with difficulty it was hoisted into the cart. The carrier delivered it on board a ship, bound for Dunedin, and m consequence of the discoveries of the messenger-at-arms the authorities there will take delivery of it." *