DESTRUCTION OF “TOTE.”

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1924, Page 3

DESTRUCTION OF “TOTE.”

LOCK FORCED EXPLOSION NOT ACCIDENTAL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, ■ Sept. 23. The centre portion of the building destroyed at the Avondale racecourse contained the stand-by plant and it was totally wrecked. Though the rest of the totalisator house was badly shaken, windows smashed, and the girders of the roof slightly lifted, the totalisator that was used yesterday is hardly damaged and could be used again to-day. The gas and water mains remain intact and this discounts the possibility of the explosion having been caused by gas. The door of the building was open, the lock having been forced, either by explosion or by a person with intent to destroy the premises. The damage is roughly estimated at £5OO to £lOOO, which was covered by insurance. No doubt the explosion was deliberately caused, but the reason is a complete mystery. The Avondale Jockey Club’s lo&s is covered by an insurance of £5OOO in the United Office. Six separate machines which are next to worthless were insured for £6OO. They were the property of the club.