And a follow up from the Manawatu Times on 15th of May 1945

£40,000 Plane Stolen and Destroyed

YOUTH OF 19 ARRESTED

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 14.

Remarkable circumstances surround the total destruction by fire of a Lodestar aeroplane at Mangere last evening. The loss of the plane was this morning the subject of the following statement issued to the Press by Union Airways:

“At approximately 9.30 last evening a junior engineer of Union Airways without authority broke into the hangar at Mangere through the garage and over the top of the oil store. He opened the hangar doors from inside and took the Lodestar out, thereafter careering round the aerodrome with the lights switching on and off and eventually hitting a dummy plane on the aerodrome. The aircraft burst into flames and was totally destroyed.

‘‘The hangar was securely locked by the station engineer before he left the aerodrome about 5 p.m. With the aircraft available, Union Airways will carry out every possible service to the original timetable with only necessary alterations, of which due notice will be given.”

In the Police Court this morning Frederick Demehy, aged 19, described as an assistant air engineer, was charged with stealing a Lockheed Lodestar monoplane valued at about £40,000, the property of Union Airways. It was stated that accused was arrested at 11.30 last night by Detectives Cromwell and Fraser. The police asked for a remand until May 21. The Magistrate (Mr. J. H. Luxford) refused bail.