AFFABLE STRANGERS.

Mataura Ensign, 9 February 1911, Page 2

AFFABLE STRANGERS.

CABINET MINISTER ROBBED. The Paris police recently made known the particulars of a peculiarly audacious robbery, of which the victim, says a Paris correspondent of 'The Weekly Dispatch,' is none other than Mr Augustine Birrell, M.P., Chief Secretary for Ireland. The previous Tuesday morning Mr Birrell left London for Switzerland, travelling as usual by way of Calais and Paris. The boat was very crowded, and, on it becoming known who he was, Mr Birrell became a centre of attraction. One or two well-dressed strangers paid him particular attention, and with two of them he passed some few remarks in conversation. On reaching Calais the same well-dressed men passed off the boat with him, paying him every attention, and saw him into the train for Paris after the examination of luggage, etc., was completed. it was not till some time after the train had started that -Air Birrell had occasion to refer to his pocket-book for a document with which he desired to refresh his memory. To his astonishment his pocket-book was missing. There was a hurried search among clothes and luggage, but the pocketbook could not be found. Some!>ody then drew his attention to the fact that his tie was in disorder, and he then found that he had also been robbed of a pearl pin worth about £IOO, having, moreover, a sentimental interest, since it was 'the legacy of a dead relative, which far enhances its value.

Further search on the right hon. gentleman's part disclosed the fact that other pockets had been cleverly picked. In fact, the thieves left him with only a few shillings and some coppers, so that he was practically destitute when lie landed in Paris and apprised the police there of his loss. He was at once provided with money to enable him to reach his destination, Vevey. in Switzerland.

The pocket-book,-which was described as being of maroon-colored morocco leather, contained nine £o Bank of England notes, numbered 97,011 to 97,019. There were* also four cheques varying in amount from £3O to £7O.