SHIPBOARD ROBBERY.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12773, 21 April 1910, Page 4

SHIPBOARD ROBBERY.

A LADY ROBBED TO THE EXTENT OF £120.

[United Press Association.]

Wellington, April 20. Miss Ethel Miles, a daughter of Mr A. H. Miles, the manageir at Wellington for Messrs Murray, Roberts, and Co., was the victim of a daring robbery committed on the high seas on April 9th. Miss Miles left by the steamer Moeraki on April Bth for Sydney, en route for Europe*, and on the following day her suit case was stolen from her cabin., It contained jewellery, silverware, and money to a total, value of about £120. Mis* Miles reported the matter to the captain, but a thorough search of the vessel failed to locate tho missing property. When the b.s. Moeraki arrived at Sydney the police were communicated with, but they, too, were unable to find either the stolen goods or the culprit. When the steamer reached thei Heads to-day on her return to Wellington, the police were signalled for,' and Detectives Andrews and Lewis went aboard while the Moeraki lay in the stream. They made a thorough search, but without success. The vessel then came alongside the wharf, and not being satisfied with their investigation, the detectives decided on another search*, and instructions were givon that no member of the crew was to go ashore in the meantime. For about two hours both the jolice officers delved into practically eevry nook and corner of the .Vessel, including the stokeheld. This time they were rewarded for their efforts. In the forecastle they unearthed their quarry, discovering a small box of missing jewellery tied up in the leg of a pair of underpants belonging to Joseph Walker, a trimmer. A search of the man's box revealed more of the missing jewellery, and shortly afterwards tha greater part of the stolen goods was recovered. Walker was arrested, and will be charged at the Magistrate's Court to-morrow morning with the theft of jewellery, etc., on the high seas. He is a nativo of Victoria and is 24 years of age.