ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 105, 4 May 1881, Page 2

ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY.

Wellington, Wednesday. Mr Buchanan, the'lnspector of tbe National Bank here, received the following telegram from Tauranga: — " Bank attacked last night by burglars, one was caught after a severe struggle by Sergeant White and constable Whelan, others escaped. No damage done." Taukanga, Wednesday.

The following are further particulars rejrarding the attempted burglary :— Sergt. White states that Mr Morris, the manager of the Bank, informed him about a week ago, that he suspected tome one 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 night. Upon this information Sergt. White kept a vigilant watch on the Bank every evening. As usual as he was stationed inside the Bank a rap came to the door, the manager opened the door and a large quantity of pepper was thrown in his face completely blinding him, At the seme time the robber clutched the manager by the throat. Constable Whelan was stationed behind the door, and along with the manager suffered severely from the pepper. He struck the robber on the head. Serg'. White covered him with his revolver, and the prisoner then caved in after a severe struggle. The prisoner's name it William Henry Borfleld. Upon the prisoner: being searched the following artiolea were found :— A knotted bludgeon, a gag, a piece of rope, a piece of soap, a quantity of pepper, and a towel. The prisoner bad blackened, his face, Immediately after 4b« prisoner; was Becured Sergeant White rushed out ol the Bank to see if he could find any accomplices, but saw no one. He picked up a loaded pistol outside the door. It la supposed that there is a gang in town, as Mrs Morris saw one or two .outside the door.