A Sydney Mystery.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 147, 3 September 1872, Page 7

A Sydney Mystery.

Particulars of a very mysterious occurrence in the Sydney Town-hall are given in the local papers. It seems that someone enters the building at night-time, opens the desks, and destroys the papers, and no clue can bt? found by the police to the identity of the culprit. Reports, plans, and registers of great value are either mutilated or stolen. The town clerk, Mr Wolcott, says in his report to the Council:—"From the fact that some portions of the mutilated books have been discovered in different parts of the building,—and in one case where access could not be obtained without previous knowledge of its existence, —and where chance of discovery was most remote, it is clear that whoever the party is who has been guilty of these wanton acts, (which could not, as far as I can judge, either benefit or injure any individual member of the Corporation,) is connected in some way or other with the department. I need not point out to your Worship that, so long as this matter remains in the present state of mystery, no security can be felt by any of the officers that a repetition of these occurrences may not take place at any time and any number of times. No precaution that can be taken against ordinary outrage can avail when there exists among ourselves some person who could be guilty of these disgraceful acts : and until some trace be found which will lead to the discovery of the : guilty party, the greatest anxiety for the safety of the most valuable records of the : Corporation must exist." On his last visit the man left a letter, written in a feigned hand, and stating : —'' .... Look here. I have got keys for every desk in the Townhid], that ] have. I can get in the Townhall at any hour of the night, that 1 can. No one sleeps on the town-side of the house. Fifty men could be there, and not be heard. 1 will have some out of every office in the place, and then burn the place. Mr Barron did not take the plan, or books, or papers. I did, and will have more. Some people say he did it, but he did not. Tell the Mayor to get new locks put on the door. I am sorry if any of the young gentlemen get into trouble, but T will be revenged on all the Corporation. It is now nearly morning-break, so good-bye.—The Destroying Angel. Mr Bradbridge, City Surveyor." A reward of £l5O is offered for the conviction of the Angel.