BURGLARY AND FIRE AT KUROW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18629, 5 December 1928, Page 1

BURGLARY AND FIRE AT KUROW.

POST OFFICE BURNED TO GROUND FOLLOWING THEFT OF MAIL BAGS

(Special to the “ Star.”) OAMARU, December 5. A sensational burglary and fire at Kurow early on Monday morning caused a stir in the country township. Shortly after 2 a.m. the alarm was raised, and portion of the railway station building utilised by the postal authorities was found ablaze. In a short space of time a bucket brigade had been formed, but little could be done, as the fire had too firm a hold. The flames spread rapidly, and the building was soon demolished.

Hard work by the bucket brigade prevented the fire from spreading to the goods shed, but a van and carriage at the platform were badly scorched. Conjecture was rife as to the cause of the oubreak, but it was not until later in the morning that the affair took a more sensational turn. Over 200 letters were discovered in the riverbed, strewn in all directions. A considerable number had been opened.

It is stated that the Public Works Department had lodged a fairly large sum of money at the post office for the payment of employees engaged on the hydro-electric scheme at Awakino, but verification of this has not been obtained.

A detective from Timaru and a constable from Oamaru, are now investigating the affair. Developments are keenly awaited.

The destruction of the post office resulted in about seventy telephone subscribers being cut off, but mechanics were rushed to Kurow and a temporary switchboard was installed in another building on Tuesday. Arrangements for the handling of correspondence were also conchided.

A temporary building is being erected to house the railway staff until such time as the station is rebuilt.