HELD FOR RANSOM.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 255, 9 August 1933, Page 8

HELD FOR RANSOM.

KINDNESS OF KIDNAPPERS. Liberated after payment of ransom stated to bo “somewhat less than £20,000,” Mr William Hamm, junr., an American multi-millionaire brewer, of Saint Paid, told a remarkable story, in the course of which he referred to the courteous treatment he received at the hands of his kidnappers. “On leaving my office at lunch time,” declared Mr Hamm, when dealing with the day of the kidnapping, “I was greeted pleasantly by two men, who, after stopping to shake hands with me, hustled me into a car and pulled a white Rood over my head. “When we had driven about 30 miles outside Saint Paul we met another car, and I was forced to sign four motes authorising the payment of ransom. “After dark my hood was removed and I was taken to a farmhouse which seemed to me to be in Northern Minnesota. I was placed in a second-floor room with boarded windows. “The kidnappers were very nice to me. I had only to call for anything I needed. They served me very well indeed, and told me to order anything 1 wanted. I had good, simple meals during my incarceration—nothing elaborate, but adequate. “1, was able to get all the rest 1 wanted and they never threatened to tie me up. I had money, but no attempt was made to take it from me. I believe there were five or six men involved altogether. They kept me informed about the progress of tlie ransom negotiations, and subsequently they announced they had good nows for me. “The ransom was paid, but I was not told what sum was agreed upon. They drove me after dark to Wyoming, Minnesota, where I was liberated. As they let me out of the car one of them said, “If there is anything we can do to help you, Mr Hamm, at any time, just let us know.’ They were cxtremly kind.” In accordance with instructions the ransom money was tossed from one of Mr Hamm’® brewery cars on the road between Pine City and Rush City, Minnesota.