CHARGE OF MURDER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 44, 21 January 1926, Page 7

CHARGE OF MURDER.

BANK MANAGER’S DEATH. NEW ZEALANDER BEFORE COURT. MELBOURNE, Jan. 20. Douglas Robertson, arrested in Sydney on suspicion of being concerned in the shooting of William Almeida, manager of the Hampton Bank, was charged with murder and 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 16 months ago, purely for a holiday. On arrival in Melbourne he was unfortunate in making the acquaintance of Perkins. When Robertson said ho desired to return to Now Zealand Perkins asked if he would like to take £2OO or £3OO back with him, and outlined a scheme for robbing a teller who, Perkins said, was short of money and would not resist. Robertson agreed. He said that he and Perkins went to the bank, Perkins going in first. When Robertson entered ho saw Perkins pointing a revolver at the teller. According to plan he made for tho partition. He hoard a deafening report and saw the teller fall. Perkins jumped over tho counter and Robertson asked what he hnd done. Perkins replied: “Get a move on. Get the money and get out.” Robertson grabbed tho money, ran to a waiting motor car, and eventually got home. Later lie read of the teller’s death and the arrest of Perkins, and remained in hiding.— Press Association.