By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A SET of New Zealand war medals feared stolen after being sent from Doveton by registered post two months ago were apparently lost in the mail.
Police investigated the possible theft of the six medals, six miniature medals, a Gallipoli lapel, an RSA badge and a ribbon bar that were missing from a padded post bag when it arrived in Dunedin, New Zealand, on 12 February.
The parcel had been sent from Doveton Post Office in Autumn Place about 11am on 4 February.
Police said the medals were located on Tuesday by Australia Post.
“It appears they were not stolen.”
An Australia Post spokeswoman said “poor packaging” had caused the medals to be “dislodged during normal processing”.
After the police callout for information, the medals were located and identified by postal workers, she said.
“Australia Post has a robust and secure process to safely deliver mail through our network.
“We would also encourage customers ensure their mail items are packed securely before lodgement.”
The medals had belonged to the late Herbert George Garratt, who served in Gallipoli with New Zealand Mounted Rifles and during World War II with the New Zealand Air Force.
He was a founding member of the Wellington Gallipoli Veterans’ Association and a member of New Zealand War Amputees’ Association.
