Army Weapons Stolen

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31093, 23 June 1966, Page 5

Army Weapons Stolen

(N.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 22. Raiders who took six sub-machine-guns, three self-loading rifles and seven automatic pistols from the Ponsonby Drill Hall early on Monday morning, could obtain ammunition for all guns from almost any sports shop. An Auckland gunsmith, Mr J. G. Wall, said ammunition was readily available. “The sub-machine gun uses a rimless ammunition, but that is available here for other types of guns,” he said “You can buy the stuff by the handful quite legally. There is no requirement to say what weapon it is wanted for.” The arms were taken from a locked cupboard and rack in tiie hall after thieves had smashed a chain locking tlje

gates to a security fence, pulled a security mesh screen from a window, forced the window open, and found the keys to the armoury. They got access to 21 selfloading rifles, and about 18 sub-machine guns and automatic pistols. There were no indications of a vehicle having been taken into the compound at the rear of the hall or left outside the security gates, and it is believed the number of weapons taken was limited by weight and bulk. Security arrangements for the armoury, laid down in Army regulations, were renewed by the Ministry of Works yesterday. The chief of staff of the Northern Military District, Lieutenant - Colonel I. R. Diggle, said the Army was very conscious of the need to secure arms. “If we could think of a better way to secure them we would certainly do it,” he said. ‘This is the best we know.” Ammunition is kept in

magazines in guarded camps. Units requiring ammunition—the Ist casualty clearing station in the case of the Ponsonby hall—draw it from the camp before rifle practice on ranges, and return any not used.

The Army has found it necessary to keep arms in various depots for drill practice and to have them cleaned and maintained by the unit to which they have been issued.

The police think the theft was done by several men. None of the weapons was suitable for sporting use. A sub-machine gun was stolen from an armoury in the Papakura camp two months ago. The police are still making inquiries.

Buffalo Music.—The Multan Government is considering playing music to buffaloes on State farms to soothe their nerves and improve milk yields, according to the provincial Minister of Food, Makhdoom Hamiduddin.