DARING THIEVES

Southland Times, Issue 19333, 27 August 1924, Page 7

DARING THIEVES

IN BOOKMAKERS’ CLUB. One of the most audacious of the robberies which have taken place recently in Melbourne was atempted in practically the centre of the city at a time when the streets were crowded with persons hurrying to places of amusement. For the first time since this class of robbery has become prevalent the possible victim was prepared, and,drawing a revolver, he fired several shots. He has informed the police that two men ran away. A third man who was nearby was wounded. The scene of the hold-up was outside the office of the Bookmakers’ Association of Victoria in Royal Lane. While Mr Marriott, a member of the Bookmakers’ Association, whose premises are situated about twenty yards from Little Collins Street on the western side of Royal Lane, was in the club rooms about a quarter to 8 o’clock, he received a telephone message stating that a lady was waiting to see him down below.

Becoming suspicious about the message, Mr Marriott took the precaution to place an automatic revolver in his pockets before he left the Association rooms. He went downstairs, and, as he reached the vestibule, he was confronted by three men, one of whom stepped forward and commanded him to put up his hands. As he uttered the words the men ran towards Mr Marriott and seized him. Mr Marriott was able to wrench himself free, and quickly drawing his revolver, he’ fired three shots at a man. The shots, which were fired at close quarters, took effect. Mr Marriott believes that he hit the man in the stomach, as he immediately placed his hands over his body. Apparently recognising that they were outwitted, the other two men hastened from the doorway and ran up Royal Lane towards Little Collins Street. Mr Marriott fired two more shots but failed to hit these men. The man who was wounded also escaped.

The police visited several houses in the suburbs in search of Mr Marriott’s assailants. Early yesterday morning, at a house at Prahran, detectives questioned a man whom they later took to police headquarters. Subsequently Edward Allsop, aged 34 years, a clerk, was charged at the City Watchhouse with that he, being a reputed thief, did frequent a public place with intent to commit a felony.