NEW ZEALAND HOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, 18 September 1940, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND HOUSE

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

escape from time-bomb

London, Sept. 16. The- Hon. Peter Fraser's message appreciatrng their steadfastness in the "air blitz" has greatly encouraged the New Zealand High Commissioner's staff. The bomb that cauged the evacuation of New Zealand House on September 12 ■vvas^discovered early in the morning by a house picket, a young member of the staff, '.who hastily collected cyphers and secret codes. The entire staff next day worked at the New Zealand Forces Club (formerly the Italian Club), thus returning -the hospitality, for the club had been evacuated the day previously when a time-bomb fell opposite. New Zealand House was slightly damaged . when the bomb exploded, altbougb the roar was heard miles away. Sorhe ■windows- were shattered and wooden palings and brickwork were damaged, but the total damage was only a few pounds. The staff were uninjured. ■The air liaison officer had a remarkable escape, due to a hunch. With his wife and -two children he leff his flat'and slept the - "next night in a shelter. Retunimg to the Sat in the morning he found the building demolished by a direct hit. An - incendiary bomb fell in^ the Strand during a recent daylight raid. A New Zealand soldier leaning against a wall nonchalantly rubbed out the fire with his foot.