THE CLYDE GOLD ROBBERY.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2274, 20 August 1870, Page 2

THE CLYDE GOLD ROBBERY.

But little has been really made known of the manner in which the gold and notes stolen from the lock-up at Clyde were recovered. The telegraphic accounts beyond being true as to the fact of the discovery, led to a wrong impression, and we are therefore glad to be able to publish an authentic account of the proceedings. Owing to the expert and adroit way in which the theft was committed, beyond the fact that suspicion was directed to some person on the Camp, who was supposed to be either a principal or an accomplice, no clue whatever ■was obtained up to the 13th instant. After searching inquiry by the police, it was ascertained that a man had been seen on the Gentle Annie track, at an early hour on the morning of the robbery. The police in following up the traces of this man, with a view to discovering who and what he was, were materially assisted by Mr Cook, who keeps an Accommodation House. He informed them of what be had observed of the man’s movements, which were highly suspicious. Going to the place where he had camped, the police discovered that he had had a fire lighted, and that he had burnt a number of articles of wearing apparel. There were remnants of 'moleskin trousers and other clothing. But what seemed most singular, he had, with the exception of a* small portion, burnt his horse’s bridle. Stiaws show which way the wind blows. That unburnt scrap of a bridle gave the cue. It was examined and found to have been mended by a shoemaker, and not by a ’ saddler. This was apparent by the style of the work. Suspicion had been entertained' against Rennie, a shoemaker at the Arrow, by the police there, and this discovery induced thorn to make still stricter inquiries respecting him. In this inquiry, Mr Cook rendered very effective help. He stated he had seen Rennie burn the clothes he had on his person and put on a fresh suit; turn adrift a jaded horse, and proceed on his journey on foot. The constables had received information at various places at Queenstown and the Arrow, and finally arrived at Rennie’s place at tne Arrow. On interrogating him, he gave a most unsatisfactory accpunt of where, he was and what lie had been doing on the night of the robbery, and he was in consequence arrested on suspicion of having been concerned in it. The portion of the burnt bridle was identified as his, as was bit of having been in Ronu’e’s possession. He stoutly, gtgijdjly, and resolutely denied all knowledge of the matter, but after being in the lock-up a few hours, a conversation ensued between him and Constable Hunt, stationed at the Arrow. Rennie asked to see the notice of the offered reward. The notice of the offer of LSOO was accordingly produced. After reading it, he said, “ I see there’s a free pardon offered to an accomplice who gives information.” “Yes,” said the constable, “ there is ” “Well, then, I done it,” Rennie said. The constable, following up the conversation, asked him what be bad done with the gold and notes. Ho replied that they were planted, and he could shew where they were. Smith, the arresting constable, was informed of what Rennie said, and going to see him, he asked, “Have yon confessed in this matter ?” “ V es, I have,” he replied, “ and I will shew you where the gojd /jiid notes is concealed.” He was then plaecd upon a horse, and he conducted Constable Smith to where there wore one bundle of notes and a bag of gold planted on the Queenstown road. Proceeding until within a few miles of Clyde, he pointed out three different places where were found the remainder at that time discovered—namely, ten bags of gold and four parcels of iiotea. Two parcels of notes —one from Teviot, and one from Cfomy/e]!—were stjll undiscovered, the amounts being respectively L 212 and L 537. In addition to these there was missing a small bag of very inferior goh(,‘iho scrapings of the plates from the Aurora claim. It was so mixed up with other substances that it was being forwarded to tho bank at Dunedin for assay before a price epu’d be fixed upon it. It can be identified, After these transactions, Rennie requested .Sergeant Mgpre tp inform the Commissioner of Police, who was., Clyde, that he wished to see him. On going to see him, Rennie was cautioned as to the consequences of what he might say, and ip reply he said he had turned the matter oyer in his mind, and wanted to “ make a dean breast of the thing.” He then gave a detailed account of the affair, and said that Constable MacLcnnon, who had been a Warder in the Royal Montrose Lunatic Asyl\lm with him, and subsequently his shipmate by tho E. P. Bouverie, reached Otago last Mafoh twelvemonths; that six months ago they

had concocted a scheme for Teviot escort, and had made an to do* eo which failed. They finally, speeded oij| the night of the since been accessory to the the|ti ijaie againsF both him and Rennijj»|isJl day. This morning"h telejph l rece^MV by the head of the stating that, Rennie has confessed to where a further portion of the missing notes was to be found. Several persons have claimed, each a LIOOO on account of the information given by them having - led to the discovery of the treasure. It will be for the Supreme Court to decide who has a, fair claim to it. The principal credit is due, however, to Mr Cook, the keeper of the Accommodation House, and Constables Smith (resident constable, ■Olyds), Hunt (stationed at the Arrou), and Maegaun (stationed at Queenstown). We are glad, too, to be able to state that the inhabitants' of the district, generally, gave every assistance in their power. Disastrous as this robbery has been, it is not without its pleasant side. Though one of the police is implicated, the zeal, tact, and energy evinced by the remainder of -the force is highly creditable to them, and it is equally satisfactory to fin'd that the sympathy of the people is with the police. So long as this continues, crime will not take bleep root amongst us.