SENSATIONAL ROBBERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3733, 20 December 1906, Page 3

SENSATIONAL ROBBERY.

Kalgoorlie, Yesterday

A sensational attempt at robbery was made at Toper Hill mine. It appers that the watchman was recently approached with a view to his participating in the proceeds of a robbery. He agreed to do so, but subsequently gave particulars to the manager, who communicated with the police. Yesterday the usual clean-up took place. The assayer, after smelting, put the keys in a drawer. Two policemen were placed in position giving them a view of the smelting room and one of the drawers, which contained worth of gold. Another officer and the manager, Mr Dickson, were stationed in a position giving them a view of the assay offices. Mr Gerald Browne and Constable Blake were placed where they could cut off the retreat of any persons. At midnight two men were seen approaching. One, William Hansen, entered the building, and his companion, E. Marley, kept watch outside. Hansen secured the keys and was opening the draw containing the gold, when the police pounced on him. After a desperate struggle Hansen was overpowered. Marley took to his heels. When he was passing Blake and Browne the latter called on him to put his hands up. He refused, and Browne fired. The bullet entered Marley’s back. He was removed to the hospital and is in a critical condition. Sensational developments are expected.