TWICE STOLEN PICTURE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXV, Issue 13035, 31 March 1910, Page 3

TWICE STOLEN PICTURE.

ROBBERY FROM WELLINGTON ART GALLERY.

(Pgr United Press Association ) - • •*** WELLINGTON, March 30 A picture by Leader—“Soutliward from ~l e S A U \ rG n —which was stolen from atniif rt wi a ei K 111 1908 ’ llas vanished again, V hen the caretaker unlocked the dooi, at 1 o’clock this afternoon' he saw iiejirame hanging in its customary place on the south wall, but the “Leader” had lelt The canvas was in its place last Sn#,day when the gallery was open to the pitbhc. On_ Sunday evening the doors we,-e M ced and remained fast Hill 1 p . m . : today, On the previous occasion the thief entered a window at the back, rolled up the picture and crept quietly away. Tills time the side window facing north on. the west side of the porch has been broken .just below the catch, at a point to conveniently allow a -hand to pass through and push back the fastening. The dust coating at the top of the lower panes shows marks recently made. They very strongly suggest the trail of fingers, and look as if they had been put on from the inside on the return journey of the robber. ■ . disappearance of the picture was at once reported to the police. When it was stolen before, the thief or someone representmg him offered to restore it for TIOO and, after, an .unsuccessful attempt had been made, to trap him, £SO was paid and no questions , asked. Threats were niade o which is ■ v^lu e d at; j«1000,: would be destroyed, and the then considered it, best to accept the robber s terms.-Opinions varied at the lime as to the /propriety of- yielding, Bhf :the opinion was expressed 'that of the picture’ would encourage trade in this line of business.