BUS-TILLS ROBBED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19542, 22 January 1927, Page 12

BUS-TILLS ROBBED.

INCIDENT AT DEVONPORT. MAN CAUGHT AFTER CHASE. DISAPPEARANCE OF SUITCASE. Charges of stealing a suitcase and contents, valued at £5, the property of William Butt, at Auckland, on January 17, and stealing two sums of money totalling £3 10s, the property of Glassey Brothers, at Devonport, on January 20, were denied by William Thomas Ackmerman, aged 37, in the Police Court yesterday. Ernert Jarvis, bus driver, said he left ins bus in Marine Square, Devonport, while he moved another bus. Ho was; absent only about two minutes, and when he returned lie found accused sitting in the driver's seat. Witness said, "What are you doing there ?" and accused replied, "When does the bus leave?" On being told the bus did not leave for £.O minutes accused said, "I will have to go back to town." Witness then discovered his cash-box was open and the money had been taken. He followed accused and asked him whether lie had taken the money. Accused ran down the wharf to the ferry. Witness called ,a constable, who arrived as the boat was leaving. The constable signalled to the captain and the ferry put back. When accused saw the constable he rushed to the front of the boat, but witness caught him. Another bus driver gave evidence that he left his bus in. Marine Square, for a few moments while he entered tv shop. When he returned his till had been robbed. .A constable said accused had £2 9s 6d in small change in his possession when arrested. He admitted taking the money from the buses.

William Butt, electric linesman, said he left his bag on. a seat near the waiting room of the. Ferry for a few minutes o\{ the morning of January 17. He noticed accused sittiug on the .seat. When be returned accused and the bag had disappeared. Sergeant Flanagan said accused admitted taking the bag, and said it was in a house at Mount Eden. However, ho could not find the house, and later said it was 111 -Grey Street. There, had been no time to verify this statement.

The magistrate, Mr. Hunt, convicted accused and remanded him until to-day for sentence to enable his statement to be verified-