NEW ZEALAND HOUSE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21220, 17 September 1940, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND HOUSE

STAFF “ CARRY ON ” SOME NARROW ESCAPES (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 17. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON. Sept. 16 The New Zealand Prime Minister’s message appreciating their steadfastness in the air-blitz has greatly encouraged the High Commissioner’s staff. The bomb which caused the evacuation of New Zealand House on September 12 was discovered in the early morning by Mr House Ricket, a young member of the staff. Hastily collecting cyphers and secret codes, the entire staff next day worked in the New Zealand Forces Club, formerly an Italian building, thus returning 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. Although the roar was heard miles away, only some windows were shattered and wooden palings and brickwork damaged, the total damage being only a few pounds worth. Members of the staff were not injured. Remarkable Escapes An air liaison officer had a remarkable escape, due to a hunch. He evacuated his wife and two children from their flat and slept the next night in a shelter. On returning to the flat 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 was leaning against a wall and nonchalantly rubbed out the bomb, which was a foot wide.