AUCKLAND HOLD UP

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 251, 14 June 1932, Page 5

AUCKLAND HOLD UP

(Press Assn.-

robbery sequel TWO SEAMEN COMMITTED TO SUPREME UOURT FOR TRIAL

WITNESS ALLEGES THREATS

-By TelegraDh — Copyright)

AUCKLAND, Monday.. Arrested a few hours after the sensational hold-up in the city ahout midday, May 27, Francis John Peckham (36), ship's fireman, and William Keough (29), seaman, were eharged in the Police Court with robbing Richard T. Dias, of £106, and using personal violence. • Dias, an aecountant, said that for fifteen years it had been his custom to cash wages cheques on a Friday. On May 27, at the bank, he received £146, including 124 pound notes, which he placed in Tds inside pocket, twenty 10s notes, which he put in his trouser pocket, and £12 in silver, which he placed in an outside pocket. When returning he saw three men near the shop. Peckham hit him under the ear and knocked him down. His head was held down on the footpath, and he f elt hands going through his pockets. On getting ■ up he saw Keough standing on the running-board of a small car. He did not see Peckham then, but identified him next morning in an identifieation parade. ■ Cross-examined he (witness), said he attended three identifieation parades and in the first one recognised nohody. Witness asked leave to make a statement, and then said that last Thursday and Friday he received two telephone messages from persons who said if he did not deal lightly with accused in the court they would make it hot for him. A labourer who saw the assault and robbery, said it was done by Keough and two other men, but he was hot prepared to identify Peckham. Another of the witnesses picked out Keough in the identifieation parade, hut was unahle to recognise the others. Another eye witness identified Peckham, but not Keough. Both men w;ere committed to the Supreme Court for trial. :