STICKING UP OF THE NATIONAL BANK AT TAURANGA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2533, 4 May 1881, Page 2

STICKING UP OF THE NATIONAL BANK AT TAURANGA.

SECOND EDITION

DESPERATE STRUGGLE WITH A BURGLAR. [By Telegraph.] Wellington, May 4. Mr Richardson, Inspector of the National Bank here, has received the following telegram from Tauranga:— “ Bank attacked last night by robbers. One caught, after a severe struggle, by Sergeant White and Constable Whelan. The others escaped! No damage done.” Tauranga, May 4. The following are further particulars of the attempted burglary. Sergeant White states that Mr Morris, manager of the Bank, informed him about a week ago that be suspected someone 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 Sergeant White kept a vigilant watch on the Bank but found everything as usual. As he was stationed inside the bank a rap came to the door. The manager of the bank opened it and a large q uantity of pepper was thrown in hisface completely blinding him. At the same time the robber caught the manager by the throat. Constable Whelan was stationed behind the door and along with the manager he suffered severely from the pepper. The constable struck the robber on the head and Sergeant White covered him with his revolver. The prisoner caved in after a severe struggle. Ho gave the name of William Henry Dorfield. Upon being searched the following articles were found upon him : —A knotted bludgeon, a gag, a piece of rope, piece of soap, and a quantity of pepper and a towel. The prisoner had blackened his face. Immediately after the prisoner was secured Sergeant White rushed out of the Bank to see if ho could find any accomplices. He saw no one, but he picked up a loaded pistol outside the door. It is supposed that there is a gang in town, as Mr Morris saw one or two outside the door.