STRONG-ROOM LOCK TAMPERED WITH

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 139, 2 September 1927, Page 16

STRONG-ROOM LOCK TAMPERED WITH

CHRISTCHURCH BANK MYSTERY (Special to THE SUN.) CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday. Last night the premises of the National Bank of New Zealand at the corner of Hereford and Manchester Streets were under continuous police surveillance, following a startling discovery by bank officials yesterday morning. Was there an audacious attempt by someone to enter the strongroom, is the question that is being asked. When the staff arrived yesterday morning the big door of the strongrom could not be opened despite exhaustive attempts. All endeavours to work the key in the lock were baulked and the staff had no access to the money, bills and other documents necessary to carry on the bank’s business. Finally the services of a lock expert were sought, and temporary accommodation for money arranged with another bank so that customers might be met. The locksmith discovered a broken portion of a key stuck in the lock. The piece could not be dislodged, and a hole had to be cut in the door- The laborious work was completed by 1 p.m., when the valuable contents of the strongroom were found intact.

The outside doors had not been tampered with, and all the keys of the strongroom were accounted for, thus giving the affair an air of mystery. Three members of the staff sleep on ■the upper storey of the premises, but were not disturbed by any unusual noises during the night. It was deemed advisable last night to place the bank under police surveillance, and this was done.

A “Sun” reporter called on Mr. W. F. Sparhan, chief inspector, from Wellington, who is relieving Mr. C. J. Ronaldson, the manager, who is now in Australia for six weeks. Mr. Sparhan preferred not to discuss the happening.