NEWMARKET HOLD-UP.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 4 December 1925, Page 5

NEWMARKET HOLD-UP.

EXPERIENCE OF A BANK MANAGER. (by TELEGBAPII PBESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Dec. 3. A sequel to the sensational hold-up at the Newmarket branch of the Auckland Savings Bank recently was the appearance in the Police Court to-day of George Joseph Marshall, who was charged “that on the night of November 6 he, being armed with a loaded revolver, did assault Robert Gilmore, manager of the Newmarket branch of the Auckland Savings Bank, with intent to rob him.’’ Robert Gilmore, manager of the Auckland Savings Bank at Newmarket, said he resided above the bank with his wife and family. He knew accused, who left the employ of the Savings Bank in December, 1920, On Friday night, November 6, witness was on duty at the bank from 7 till 9 p.m., and a clerk was also on duty. At 8.55 p.m. Mr. Waters, the clerk, ieft the office to post mail, leaving witness alone in the bank. At 9 p.m. witness left his desk and walked through the chamber in order to lock the front door of the hank, and as he was about to pass through the double spring doors witness saw a man standing behind the partly closed front door. The man had a black cloth tied round his face in the form of a mask, and held a revolver in his right hand. The revolver was held at the level of accused’s shoulder and pointed in witness’ face.

Witness immediately rushed accused, who ran along the street. He overtook accused about fifty yards from the bank and grabbed his two arms from the back. Just as he caught hold of accused the revolver was fired, but it was not fired at witness. Accused struggled 'violently and 1 endeavoured to free himself, but with assistance he was overpowered. The revolver had to be wrenched from his grasp. At the time the accused pointed the revolver at witness there was a considerable sum of money in' the bank. Accused was arrested by a constable. A leather bag about 14 inches long and 6 inches wide was found on the floor inside the door where Marshall was standing Counsel : Immediately you grabbed Marshall the revolver went off? —Yes.

You know Marshall personally?- — Yes. You relieved him when he was manager at Onehunga?—Yes. He resigned from the bank on account of sickness and a disability to his arm?—-I understand so.

Before witness left the box he. was congratulated by the magistrate for his bravery in rushing a man masked and armed with a revolver. In a statement accused said he used to work in a bank, but had to leave owing to neuritis in the arm. He got married and had domestic trouble, and his wife left him. Being out of employment and knowing something about banks lie decided to get sonm money in that direction. Accused pleaded guilty and was committed for" sentence.