BANK ROBBERY AT CHRISTCHURCH

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 17

BANK ROBBERY AT CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch, June 20. The Press this morning says: — "We learn that a mysterious robbery of the sum of £500 in gold coin has taken place within the last few days from the National Bank at Christchurch. In reply to inquiries we are informed that up to date there is no clue whatever to the perpetrators ; but there can be little doubt that our ' spieler ' friends from the other side, emboldened by their past successes, are now flying at high game. We further understand that the gold, which was in a bag on the bank counter, was taken during business hours in the afternoon, when there is an unusually large throng at tho counter of the bank." June 22 A few days ago ii was reported to the police that the sum of £500 had been stolen from the National Bank. This afternoon Hugh K. Rich, a teller in the bank, gave himself up at the police station, and confessed to having stolen the money. He will be brought before the police court to-morrow. June 23. At the Police Court to-day Hugh Robert Rich, employed as a teller at the National Bank, was charged with stealing 500 sovereigns, and remanded till the 25th inst. Inspector Broham stated that, though accused had confessed, he had not so far made restitution or given any information about the disposal of the money. The Oamaru Mail says : — Rich was in Oamaru for a couple of days last week, en route, we understand, to Dunedin to be cross-examined by the bank's inspector, but ostensibly on a holiday. He' was very free with his money while here, the bulk of it appearing to be sovereigns. He was jocularly accused on several occasions, aprojjos o£ the robbery, of having helped himself, and his instant indignation at the charge created a suspicion in the minds of several that •• many a true word is spoken in jest." a June 25. At the Police Court to-day Hugh Robert Rich was charged with stealing £500, the property of the National Bank. After evidence as to his confession of the robbery wag given he reserved his defence, and was committed for trial, beiug admitted to bail in his own recognisance of £500 and two sureties of £250 each.