DYNAMITARD AGAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1920, Page 4

DYNAMITARD AGAIN

ATTEMPT ON POLICE ItESIDENCE,

(.Grey "Argus”.)

The attempts maxle to blow up the residences of Simpson and Constable Black are still, fresh in jt-ho publics mind, but the news if a second attempt, by a person unknown, on the residence of the former during the night of March 14th last, will come as a shrprise to the residents of Greymouth and district. The facts of the case have been zealously guarded from the public, but the Wellington newspaper “The Dominion”, in its Wednesday’s issue states that private information lias been received regarding the second attack on Sergeant Simpson’s residence. On making enquiries at tho Greymouth Police Station last night, we were informed that the facts as stated by “The Dominion” are correct, and that fortunately the attempt made last month proved a failure. The following is a report of the incident:

Another attempt to blow up the residence of Police-Sergeant Simpson at Greymouth was made last month. This information was received privately yesterday, and was later confirmed bv police headquarters, gome months ago when the first outrage was committed, tlie house suffered considerable dam- \ but Sergeant Simposn and bis household escaped injury. The second attempt made on the night of March 14th., utterly miscarried, as tlie fuse failed to burn; but jhad the explosive gone off tlie results might have been tragic. On the evening in question Mrs Simpson heard something hit the roof of the house, but as that was all, she hardly gave the matter another thought till .the following morning when she tok], Sergeant Simpson. He went on to the roof and there found an explosive detonator with a. length of fuse attached. Tho fuse had burned a little way, and had then gone out, so that the explosive remained harmless. The detonator and the fues were retained and renewed investigations instituted, but so far no clue as to the identity of the culprits had been found.

As tbe fact of Sergeant Simpson’s recent promotion and transfer to Oamaru is likely to bo connected in tbe public mind with the attempts to blow up bis house, the authorities at poFce headquarters have made a. statement on the matter. They explain that the transfer was arranged for before the first explosion. Sergeant Simpson had been under orders for some, time and was about to proceed to Oamaru when the first dastardly attack was made on bis house. Police headquarters then decided to retain him at Greymouth to carry out investigations. He left to take up his new duties soon after the second attack, as he was required at Oamaru in consequence of the other transfers which took place towards the end of last month. His transfer was not brought about because of any fear for his life.