MAIL ROBBERY ON s.s. WAHINE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6843, 22 February 1929, Page 7

MAIL ROBBERY ON s.s. WAHINE

FOUR SUSPECTS CHARGED.

EACH RELEASED ON BAIL OF £6OO

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 20. Four arrests were made yesterday in connection with tho mail robbery on the Wahino during the trip from Lyttelton to Wellington on Saturday night week, and to-day Thomas Gordon, aged 22, Richard Ryan, aged 26, George Wilfred Ryan, aged 24, and Arthur Henry William Bevan, aged 23, appeared before Mr. Page, S.M. Tho public gallery at tho rear of the Court was crowded. The first three accused aro taxidrivers, while Bevau is described as a plumber and labourer. The charge vims stealing from the Wahine about £l6O in monoy, a lady’s wristlet watch, fountain pen and ring, of a total valuo of £l7O.

On the application of the chief detective, they were remanded till February 27. Asked by the Magistrate if he opposed bail, tho chief detective said the facts were that, on tho night of February 9, the mails on the Wahine were pillaged, a large number of mail bags and postal packets were opened, and their contents, money and goods amounting to about £l7O, were stolen. Some of the stolen property had been recovered. The accused were charged with the offence, but could be let out on bail at his Worship’s discretion. Ho did not oppose bail, but asked that it be substantial. Accused were each admitted to bail in their own bonds of £2OO and two sureties of £2OO.