A DASTARDLY DEED

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1917, Page 4

A DASTARDLY DEED

MILKING PLANT BLOWN UP. A dastardly deed wits pernclratod at Waiongomi, about 3J miles from Inglewood, on Friday night, when some milking machinery owned by Mr. 11. Iline, a well-known farmer of'the district, was blown up by an explosive" substance. The explosion, which occurred at about 10.45, was heard for miles around, The shed is about six chains from the house. Apparently two charges were laid, Nobel's gelignite being used, but only one charge exploded. Fuses were laid through the cowshed to the engine-room, one charge being placed under a 2J-h.p. Electra engine, driven by benzine, and set on a concrete block, whilst the other charge was placed under the vacuum pump, but this latter did not go off. The engine was completely put out of action, and will be useless, whilst the force of the explosion caused the walls to bulge, and lifted the loft of the building a little. Apparently the intention of those who laid the charge was that the explosion would fire the benzine and destroy the ahed, which was a large one; but, fortunately, the benzine tank was not damaged, and that part of the scheme was frustrated. It is stated that there is no clue to the perpetrator, who, it is hoped, will be brought to justice.

There have been several previous instances of explosives being used in other parts of Taranaki at night time, to annoy settlers or out of spite, particularly along the coast.