Extraordinary Bank Robbery.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4310, 24 October 1882, Page 2

Extraordinary Bank Robbery.

Cheistchubch, Yesterday.

A most extraordinary affair, in connection with the National Bank, has just come to light. Some years ago a bag of sovereigns was stolen from one of the country branches. -ThpueE" the matter was carefully investigated, no trace was obtained of the money. The other day, Mr Barclay Heath, manager of the Christchurch branch, received an anonymous letterrby post; enclosing a plan of St. John's Anglican Church, and stating that by digging at a spot indicated on the plan, the lost treasure would be discovered.,: The manager was, at first incredulous, but afterwards thought he might as well test the information. He communicated with Inspector Pender, and at eight o'clock last Thursday night they commenced the search like the negro in Foe's tale of " The Golden:Beetle."^ They at first mis took directions, and for several hours dug energetically without any result. They, then consulted the plan again, and finding the error they had made, commenced again near one of the buttresses close to the porch, and under heath some shrubs they found a shoe turned.; A few inches below the surface in the shoe were £250. The cream of • the joke was- that next morning the Key. H. C. M. Watson, incumbent of St. John's went and laid an information that some person or persons had| wilfully and maliciously damaged church property:' The rev.' gentleman at that time little thought the vandals were the bank manager and Inspector of Police. ■ i ■..,>,• : no ■■■ b\

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a young man named Francis James Hodgson, who 'was/ formerly clerk in the National Bank. He is charged with stealing 500 sovereigns. A little i|»er a year ago, Hodgson, was transferred* to Christchurch, arid after his departure.,. |t was found his accounts had been-'tktqpered with, and £&QO had bwnrtaken fr«bm the reserve safe. It is stated that Hodgson used £200 of the sum taken to make good the deficiency, and that he took the balance to Ohristehurcb., .After arriving at Christchurch, Hbdg'sW Was dismissed from the bank, and joined the Armed Constabulary, from which he was recently dismissed. Mr Blaik, the manager of the bank at Nelson, bad an interview with Hodgson, who admitted taking the money, and gave information that he hafd planted a portionin St. John's Churchyard, .Cbristchurcb. On information being sent to Christchurch,iJ2sO was unearthed, and the bank after the matter ulti* mately decided to prosecute, but their intention getting, wiod, Hodgsonhas evaded the polices ' ' ''' ■'