HOARD OF BANKNOTES

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 261, 3 August 1942, Page 2

HOARD OF BANKNOTES

Discovery At Stratford (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) ' NEW PLYMOUTH, August 1. Banknotes casually placed in old envelopes aud thrown under a box in the corner of a bedroom, and totalling well over four figures, were discovered by officials connected with the administration of the estate of William Lovett, who died at the Stratford Hospital last week. He was reputed to be a wealthy man, as he had not married and had no relatives in New Zealand. He died intestate. The estate, which is estimated to be worth over £20,000, was taken over by the Public Trust Office. , , When the manager of the Stratford branch of the office, Mr. J. C. Robins, examined Mr. Lovett's house with the latter’s solicitor, Mr. E. 11. Young, aud an old friend, Mr. 11. Bishop, on Thursday they made the discovery. The deceased bad not operated to any extent on ills bank account for the past few years, and yet was known to have a considerable income. The existence of a hoard was suspected, but the casual nature of the. hiding-place was astonishing. Throughout Thursday and yesterday search was con tinned, the walls a lid floors being examined, the hearth-stoues prised up, ami all likely hiding-places closely scrutinized. Nothing more of value was found except a few silver and copper coins. Each envelope—there were dozens—contained several notes, and some of them many, of denominations ranging from 10/- to £5O, all Reserve Bank issues of comparatively recent date. The house, which the deceased had occupied for almost a quarter of a century,' since the sale of the licence of the'Club Hotel, was dilapidated, dirty and dusty. There was only one electric light point-—in the sitting-room and the place was furnished with old and worn-out articles, the only modern touch being a radio set connected to itlie sitting-room light fitting.