SENSATIONAL DISCOVERY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1927, Page 2

SENSATIONAL DISCOVERY

STOLEN BOOTY RECOVERED

GREYMOUTH. June 14

'The veil of mystery which has surrounded the numerous burglaries committed in Greymouth during the past two months has been lilted to some extent by the discovery of practically the whole of the missing goods, stolen on five different occasions, underneath the floor of the Town Hall.

The goods were found concealed there as the result of information received anonymously by one of the owners of the property concerned, which was immediately conveyed to the police, and a search of the Town Hall building was then carried out, with the result mentioned. , The only means of access to the area beneath the floor of the Hall is by way of two small wooden doors situated below a stairway leading to the stage door, on the left side of the building. The space beneath the stage is utilised for stowing the seats from the Hall when the latter is required for dancing purposes. It is understood that the stolen goods were first discovered by a. person assisting in the stowing of the seats away, who in making use of an electric torch for that purpose had his curiositv aroused by the light shining on a bright object under the floor of the Hall. The Hall floor is lower than that of the stage by about four feet, and the area there is very dark, and very seldom illuminated by artificial light or frequented by anybody.

The articles recovered include practically the whole of those taken from Mr L. A. Inkster’s residence in Afarsden Road, while the owner and his wife were away on a holiday, the total value of which amounted to £143. Tlie articles found include a “movie picture” camera, valued at £4O; a new Remington portable typewriter, £18; Kodak camera, £5 10s; gramophone records of a total approximate value of £2O; and a clock, £lO. Also numerous wedding presents, kitchen utensils, tools, and a quantity of clothing. Nearly all the rugs and carpet runners . stolen from Sohaef’s Furniture Showroom, which were of a total value of £75, have been found, together with tlm large quantity of tools valued a approximately £25, taken from Air Barrowman’s residence. The greater portion of the tobacco and other stock stolen from Air Contessa’s shop in Richmond Quay and similar goods taken from Air P. Beck's shon in Alackav Street have also been recovered. ,

Investigations by the police have, so for, failed to disclose how the booty came to be concealed there.