ROBBERY BY FOOTPADS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10968, 24 January 1899, Page 6

ROBBERY BY FOOTPADS.

A MACHINE AGENT STUCK-UP.

THREE ARMED MEN.

Ma. A. J. RontNsoN, an agent for Singer's Machine Company, reports that while coming into Helensburgh, New South Wales, on Thursday night, January 12, about nine o'clock, he was stuck up by three men (one of whom was aimed with a revolver), and robbed of all the cash he had, viz., £8 lis 2d. So far there is no clue as to who tho perpetrators are. Mr. Robinson, in an interview, said that he left Mrs. Prusser's, at Lilyvaie, to proceed to Helensburgh, about three miles distant. He was riding slowly, owing to the badness of the road. The night was starlight. When about half-way, and on top of a bill, he saw throe men about a dozen yards ahead, conversing together. On coming up to them, the tallest man caught bold ot the bridle rein, and ordered him to dismount, at the same time presenting a revolver. On the demand being repeated, Robinson obeyed. The man then said, " Have you got any money Robinson replied," Yes; but it is not mine." The man said, " All the better you. Hand it over." Robinson declined, when the man who still held the revolver a few inches from bis face, said, " Hand it over here," at the same time making an ominous move with the revolver, and Robnson handed the money over. It consisted of three £1 notes, a cheque for £1, two sovereigns, a half-sovereign, and £1 10s in silver. The man who had first spoken took the money, and said, "Have you got any more?" Robinson replied, 'No; not a penny." The man then said, " You can go now. We have got all that we want."

Robinson remounted, and slowly rode on, leaving the men still on the road. Turning round, when a little way off, he saw the smaller man jump on a rock, and heard one of the others on the road say, " Hello, AH," to which the one addressed sang out, " Shut up, you fool." Robinson saw no more of them, but rode into Helensburgh and reported the matter to the police. Robinson is unable to describe the men, but said that when stopped, he saw that the three men had blackened faces, and wore hats slouched over their eyes. The man who acted as spokesman was the tallest and biggest of the three, and was wearing what appeared to be a brown coat. This man and a comrade had whitish looking handkerchiefs round their necks. He would consider the men were young. Mr. Robinson is well known throughout the district as a quiet, respectable man.