BOMB DAMAGE IN LONDON

Southland Times, Issue 24438, 19 May 1941, Page 12

BOMB DAMAGE IN LONDON

Branch Of Bank Of New Zealand

The London branch of the Bank of New Zealand suffered ?n the latest blitz over London, and the premises have had to be vacated. One member of the staff was injured. The general manager of the bank, Mr H. R. H. Chalmers, has received the following cablegram from the London manager, Mr D. F. Reid (formerly manager at Wellington): — _ “A bomb dropped just outside my window, slightly penetrating the base of the building, although the structure is otherwise intact. The blast has made the whole building untenable for some considerable time and possibly for the duration of the war. We succeeded in preventing the spread of the fire to us. Fire-watchers Basan and Simmonds (messenger) are safe; Hayes is suffering from the blast.” (These are members of the London staff of the Bank of New Zealand). “Have secured temporary accommodation in the Commonwealth Bank building in Old Jewry.”

PROVISION IN COUNTRY The staff of the London branch of the bank of New Zealand on duty numbered 52 and in addition eight are on military service. Provision for banking quarters outside London had been made by the Bank of New Zealand some time ago, when premises were secured and fitted for this purpose in Bickley, Kent. Here duplicates of all records were kept. The general manager believes that the books and records at the London branch will be intact, as the safe accommodation was exceedingly strong. Although premises were provided outside the City of London, the bank’s staff voluntarily decided to carry on in London until such time as circumstances should make it necessary to move to the country. SITE OF THE BANK

The Bank of New Zealand stands on the angle of Queen Victoria Street and Walbrook, the narrow thoroughfare between the Mansion House and the bank, and opposite are the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange. There was a pedestrian subway entrance at the Bank of New Zealand corner. It was used by crowds of people in order to avoid crossing roads at probably the busiest meeting of cross streets in the Empire, perhaps the world. The subway was destroyed by bombing.