BURGLARY AT TAURANGA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 335, 4 May 1881, Page 2

BURGLARY AT TAURANGA.

Attempt to Bob a Bank.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day.

Mr Richardson, Inspector of the National Bank here, has received the following telegram from Tauranga : —“ The Bank was attacked last night by burglars. One was caught, after a severe struggle, by Sergeant White and Constable Whelan, others escaped. No damage was done.” Tauranga, To-day.

Further particulars have been received re attempted burglary. Sergt White states that Morris, the manager of the bank, informed him about a week ago that someone would try and injure him and most likely rob the bank, as suspicious parties were prowling about and dogging him from the Club to the bank at Upon this information, Sergt White kept a vigil ant watch on the bank. Everything went on as usual, but as he was stationed inside the bank a rap came to the dqor, and the manager of the bank opened the door, when a large quantity of pepper was thrown in his face and completely blinded him. At the same time, the robber grasped the manager by the throat. There was Constable Whelan stationed behind the door, who, along with the manager,! is suffering severely from the pepper. He struck the robber on the head, and Seigt White covered him with his revolver, and the burglar then caved in, after a severe struggle. The prisoner’s name is William Henry Borfield. Upon his being searched, the following articles were found :—A knotted bludgeon, gag, piece of rope, pieceof soap, a quantity of pepper, and a towel. The prisoner had blackened his face. Immediately after tha prisoner was secured, Sergeant White rushed out of the bank to see if he could find any of the accomplices, but found no one. He picked up a loaded pistol outside the door. It is supposed that there is a gang in town, as Mr Morris saw one or two outside the door.