BOND ROBBERY ON AN ATLANTIC LINER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1898, Page 3 (Supplement)

BOND ROBBERY ON AN ATLANTIC LINER.

A very unpleasant story, reflecting on.the character of one of the officers of the White Star steamer Britannic, Avhich reached New York at an early hour on August 5, is told. Mr John Kynaston, third officer of this vessel, Avas placed under arrest on a charge of having in unlawful possession $20,000 worth of United States bonds. There was also a smuggling plot in Avhich several steAvards belonging to the same ship were said to be implicated. The arrest was brought about in the following manner. He entered the Third National Bank, at Grove and Morgan streets, Jersey City, just as the establishment AA'as about to close on Friday, August 5, and requested Mr Robert Boss, the cashier, to cash 20 coupons of Government bonds, series 1895. Each coupon represented $10 for interest due on August 1. Kynaston was exceedingly nervous, and his general demeanour aroused the cashier's suspicions. 'Where did you get these coupons?' Mr Ross asked. Kynaston hesitated, stammered something unintelligible, and, turning quickly, rushed through the door and ran doAvn the street Avithout stopping to get his hat. Mr Ross dashed after him. Kynaston glanced over his shoulder.'and seeing that he was being followed he darted into the hallway of a flat-house in Grove-street and attempted to hide behind the door. Mr Ross -saAv him enter the house, and Avas soon upon him and compelled him to return to the bank with him, aa'here he Avas detained until a policeman ar? rived. When he was charged Kynaston refused to give his name, and Avas booked as John Doe. In his possession Avas found an enA'elope bearing the name Mrs Kynaston, and containing .510 in American bank bills. He Avas taken before Chief of Police Murphy, Avhen he admitted his identity. He refused to say anything about the coupons, or hoAV they got into his possession. T am in a hole myself,' he said, 'and I do not propose to get anyone else into trouble. Yesterday I was an honoured man? he exclaimed, bitterly; 'to-day I am— Avhat?'—He Avas detained for further examination, but Avas subsequently discharged, and re-arrested, charged Avith having robbed the mails. Captain Haddock, of the Britannic, called upon Chief of Police Murphy, but could throAV no light upon the mystery, He said that several officers of" his vessel had been arrested in this city for smuggling. Another officer besides Kynaston had fled. Kynaston Ayas a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, Mr Murphy said he was convinced that the coupons Avere part of the proceeds of a big mail robbery on the Britannic. In his opinion the bonds Avere owned by some persons residing in Europe, Avho sent them over to this, country in order that the coupons might be cashed. Kynaston told Captain Haddock that if Mr Murphy would let him go to New York he Avould tell all about the,bonds, but the Chief refused to give him up. Captain Haddock Avas much surprised to learn •of his subordinate's arrest. He looked upon him as a straightforAvard, honest man, and he Avas a good officer. This Avas Kynaston's third voyage on the Britannic. He is 80 years of age, and has a Avife ancl infant daughter at Liverpool. On the other charge, adds the correspondent of the 'Daily Telegraph,' three steAvards aa*ere arrested, accused of smuggling valuable lace Avrapped in soiled linen, and valued at sever;) 1 thousand dollars, Kynaston has been convicted of the robbery and sentenced to seven years' imprisonment; and another officer named JagO ; to eight years,