Wellington Independent 9 March 1867
WANTON ACT OF THEFT.- We are informed that the progress of making the telegraph line between Wellington and the Wairarapa has been for the time delayed, through the theft of a large number of the wooden cross pieces, or “arms” intended for the poles. The poles from the Hutt bridge towards the Taita were ready for erection, and the arms lay on the ground ready to be affixed thereto, when on Thursday it was discovered that the whole of them intended for the poles, extending over a distance of two miles, had been stolen. Mr Brown, the contractor for the works, has given information to the police, and it is to be hoped that the perpetrators of this wanton theft will be apprehended and punished. By clause 14 of the Electric Telegrapg Act, any person convicted of each offences is liable to six months imprisonment.