A SYDNEY MYSTERY.

Evening Star, Issue 2962, 16 August 1872, Page 4

A SYDNEY MYSTERY.

(From the Sydney Morning Herald.)

Particulars of a very mysterious occurrence in the Sydney Town Hall are given in the local paper. It seems that some one enters the building at night time and opens the desk and destroys the papers, and no. clue can be 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, cither 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 amongst 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 you here, I have got keys for every desk in the Town Hall, that I have. 1 can get in the Town Hall any hour of the night, that I can. No one sleeps in the town side of the house. Fifty men would not be beard there. I will have something out of every office in the plane, 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 I 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 Ll5O is offered for the conviction of the “Angel.”