The Tarazua Gold Robbery.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3718, 24 November 1880, Page 3

The Tarazua Gold Robbery.

It appears when the vessel left Dunedin, under the command of Captain Malcolm Muir, there were, or were supposed to be, in the gold-room eleven boxes gold, seven being transhipped from the Hawea steamer, four being for the Bank of New Zealand, that number entered as received, and a receipt given for them. The gold was then locked up by the captain, and the key handed to Robertson, the purser, who had charge of it until the vessel reached Melbourne. As soon as the passengers disembarked, the landing of the gold commenced, and it was then discovered there were •nly tea boxes in the room. The missing box proved to be one consigned by the Bank of New Zealand at Dunedin to their branch bank here. The gold was in five boxes, eaoh of the value of £1000. If the box is stolen, it is difficult to imagine how the robbery could have been so successfully carried out, both on account of the construction of the goldroom and its position in the ship. The f old-room was built in with the ship, and composed entirely of strong iron, the only entrance it a trap door in the centre, which can only be opened from the saloon. Directly the loss was discovered, Mr Blackwood, the agent, for the Union a.i. Co., telegraphed to Dunedin, the Bluff, and Hobart Town, the only ports «t which call was made, informing the authorities there of the matter. The detective authorities here have the matter in hand. It is not believed that the gold, could be possibly landed at Melbourne, as a vigilant watch was immediately set upon all leaving the ship. The bars all bear the brand of the Bank of New Zealand, and weigh in the aggregate about 12500a5.