Robbery under Arms.

Hastings Standard, Issue 20, 19 May 1896, Page 4

Robbery under Arms.

At about 9 o'clock at night on a recent dale a robbery of the most audacious character was perpetrated in Vaucluae, Richmond, a private avenue which forms a " short cut " between Lennox and Church streets. The curvature of the roadway and the superabundance of the foliage render the locality eminenly suitable for the obe rat ions of foodpad-, though the frequency with which {tedestrians pass, especially at the hour mention, and the contiguity of the surrounding houses would scare any but the mom desperate from attempting such a crime as was carried to a successful issue. Mr Richard Cook, the managing partner of Bedggood and Company, boot manufacturers, of Flinders-lane and Richmond, who resides at Hawksburn, entered the Vauclnse-avenue from Lennox-street and proceeded towards Church-street. When approaching St. Ignatius Church school room a figure suddenly and noiselessly appeared at his side, and called upon him to stop. Mr Cook obeyed, and looking round found a man facing him with a revolver held on a level with his head. The stranger wore a black slouch hat palled over his forehead, a dark overcoat, buttoned up, and his features were completely obscured by a white mask. Mr Cook is sure that a ma-k was worn, because the covering fitted tightly to the face, and the man's eyes could be seen gleaming through two apertures. " Turn out your pockets, and do it quick and lively, too," commanded the stranger. Mr Cook gave three glances, one towards Church-street, a second towards Lennox-street and a third towards the steady steel tube which confronted him; then resigning himself to the inevitable or drew forth three sovereigns and 10s. in silver, and held them forth to the masked one. " Chuck it on the ground if yer don't want your head blown off " ordered the latter,and the coins dropped with a cheerful clink almost as the words came forth. " Now " continued the up to date Duval " You walk over to that tree, and I'll be done with yer. Pleased at the prospect of a speedy termination to the interview, Mr Cook moved towards the spot indicated and standing there saw the footpad gather the money carefully from the ground and scamper off towards the city as silently as he had come. Mr Cook then reported the matter to the local police, to whom he described the robber as a man seeming about 40 years of age, of slim built and about 5 feet 8 inches in height. As no further description is obtainable, and as only unidentifiable money was taken, it is extremely improbable that an arrest will take place.