HAMILTON SENSATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 810, 10 February 1910, Page 3

HAMILTON SENSATION.

BANK OFFICIALS FIRED AT. Hamilton, February S. Mr W. E. Ward, manager of the Hamilton branch of the Bank of Australasia, and Mr Leslie Jordan, ledger-keeper in the Bank of New Zealand, were driving together in a buggy to Ohaupo, where the respective Banks have receiving offices, it being customary for officials to go to Ohaupo on Tuesday in each week, carrying with them sums of money. Mr Ward was driving, when in a dip in the road, locally known as “ Mystery Creek,” approached on either side by a somewhat steep rise, the report of a gun rang out, presumably from a clump of bushes on the left-hand side.

Mr Jordan received the charge of shot in the side of the face, neck, arm and chest, and fell over against Mr Ward, bleeding profusely. The horse immediately ran away, but the driver succeeded in quietening it, and he then drew a revolver which he always carried on the trip, and looked around for evidence of the origin of the shot, but none could be seen, the absence of smoke making it appear as if smokeless powder was used.

Mr Ward then drove to the nearest house, where first-aid was rendered to Mr Jordan, who was driven to Waikato Hospital, where he now lies. There seems little doubt that a deliberate attempt was made at highway robbery, and the wonder is that both men were not killed outright. Mr Ward miraculously escaped without a scratch, although he felt the concussion in the air as the shots struck. Jordan, who is 26 years of age, has been connected with the Hamilton Branch of the Bank of New Zealand for about two years.

His injuries are not serious, although he was literally peppered with shot, with which the gun was loaded. Fortunately, his eyes were uninjured, although the force of the shot blew his false teeth plate out of his mouth.

Police and civilians are now scouring the country for the perpetrator of the outrage.