BANK ROBBERY AT MURCUISON

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1921, Page 3

BANK ROBBERY AT MURCUISON

FUHTHEK I’AHTIcu fars. [by TERBGKAFII —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] NELSON, February 22. Thu Murchison branch of the Bank of New. Zealand was broken into rt an early hour this morning. The clerk Mr Engall, was bound and gagged. Cash was stolen. There is no trace of the thieves. Over £2OOO was stolen. The robfrery took place about 3 a M. Mr Engall was sleeping on the premises. He was rendered helpless by tying his arms and legs tightly together. and gagging him securely. Aided by the darkness and the ness of the district the men got clean away. The money stolen was principally in notes. The numbers of tho, 10/- notes are known. The district is being searched in all parts liy the police, assisted by numbers of citizens. Detective Young and a body of .police are expected to arrive here this afternoon. So far no trace of the robber or robbers has

been found. The, amount, of money involved is over £2OOO in £2O, £lO, £/>, £1 and 10/- notes and a few pounds in gold. THE TELLER’S ACCOUNT. NELSON, February 23. Several, police officers and detectives are investigating the Murcliison Bank TObl'fery, so far without result. The teller, Wilfred Engall, says he was bound and gagged about two or three o’clock on Tuesday morning. About seven , o’clock, when he was ablo to free himself he found the Bank robbed by two men, who were engaged in the affair but cleared away after securing the teller’s keys, and ransacking the safe, taking over two thousand pounds. There are several rumours but nothing definite is fixed upon. It is not yet clear how the premises were forced open or entered. The occurrence caused quite a sensation at Murchison taking place when there were many visitors in the township attending the Chautauqua concerts.