MURDER OF BANK MANAGER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 21 January 1926, Page 5

MURDER OF BANK MANAGER.

A NEW ZEALANDER ON TRIAL. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION-COPYRIGHT. MELBOURNE, Jan. 20. As a sequel to the murder of William (’. Almeida, manager of the Hampton (Victoria) branch of the Commercial Bank on November 28, 1924, when the bank was stuck tup by two men, one of whom escaped, Douglas Robertson, aged 37 years and described as a skilled labourer, was to-day charged with the murder of A 1 me id a and was committed for trial.

A statement alleged .to have been made by Robertson was put in as evidence. It stated that Robertson is a native of New Zealand, and came to Australia about sixteen months ago purely for a holiday. On arrival in Melbourne he was unfortunate in making the acquaintance of Perkins (now in prison). When Robertson said that lie desired to return to New Zea and. Perkins asked if he would like to take £209 or £3OO back with him, and outlined a scheme for robbing the teller who, Perkins said, was short of money and would not resist. Robertson agreed. He said he and Perkins went to the bank, Perkins going in first. When Robertson entered he saw Perkins pointing a revolver at the teller. According to the plan, he made for the nartition. He heard a deafening report and saw the teller fall. Perkins then jumped over the counter. Robertson asked what he had done. Perkins oolied: “Get a move on. Get the ■ponev and get out!” Robertson grabbed the money, ran to a waiting (motorcar. and eventually got home. Later Robertson read of the teller’s death and the arrest of Perkins, and lie remained in hiding.