MURDER CHARGE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 93, 21 January 1926, Page 5

MURDER CHARGE.

NEW ZEALANDER IMPLICATED. Press . Aosoeiation—CTosyright. MELBOURNE, January 20. As a sequel to the murder of William C. Almeida, manager of the Hampton| (Victoria) branch of the Commercial Bank on November 28, 1924. when the bank was stuck up by two men. one of whom escaped, Douglas Robertson, aged 37 years and described as a skilled laborer, was today charged with the murder of Almeida and was committed for trial. A statement alleged to have been made bv Robertson was put in as evidence. It stated that Robertson is a native of New Zealand and came to Australia about sixteen' months ago purely for a holiday. On arrival in Melbourne he was unfortunate in making the acquaintance of Perkins (now iu prison). When Robertson said that he desired to return to New Zealand, Perkins asked if he would like to take £2OO or £3OO back with him, and outlined a scheme for robbing the teller who, Perkins said, was short of money and would not resist. Robertson agreed. He said he and Perkins went to the bank, Perkins going in first. When Robertson entered he saw Perkins pointing a revolver at the teller. According to the plan he made for the partition. He heard a deafening report and saw the teller fall. Perkins then jumped over the counter. Robertson asked what he had done: Perkins replied: "Get a move on. Get the money and get out!" Robertson grabbed the money, ran to a waiting motor car, and eventually got home.

Later Robertson read -of the teller's death and the arrest of Perkins, and he remained in hiding.