DARING ATTEMPT TO ROB A BANK.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 78, 1 April 1931, Page 7

DARING ATTEMPT TO ROB A BANK.

LIQUID AMMONIA THROWN IN THE MANAGER’S FACE. (Special to the “ Star.”) DUNEDIN, March 31. The branch of the Bank of New Zealand situated in North Road, North East Valley, was the scene this morning of what can only be construed as an attempted bank robbery. It appears that Mr C. A. Thompson, manager of the North Dunedin branch of the bank, went to the North East Valley Office to do some work between 11.15 and 11.30. He was counting money and was working with the door closed. He had nearly completed his task and was preparing to leave the premises when he heard a knock at the door. Thinking that perhaps a late comer had arrived to do business he opened the door slightly—about a foot. Before him stood a man who was pointing at him something which at first he took to be a pipe. However it transpired that the article was a water pistol, and unfortunately for Mr Thompson it was loaded with strong ammonia. The next thing he knew was that a stream of the liquid had been squirted into his face. Police Summoned. With great presence of mind the banker slammed the door—one which locks automatically—in the face of the intruder and ran out by way of the back of the premises to inform the next door neighbour. This happened to be Mr J. R. Baillie, who owns a delicatessen store. Mr Baillie immediately rang the police, and five minutes later Senior-Sergeant Quartrmain and ChiefDetective Cameron were on the scene. They wer.e at once followed by Sergeant Hall and a squad of detectives and plain-clothes men. The marauder must have made his escape from the street as soon as the door was slammed, for nothing was seen of him. Manager’s Injuries. Mr Thompson, suffering from shock and the effects of the ammonia, was attended by Mr H. L. Gallien, who has a pharmacy in the same street. Naturally Mr Thompson suffered considerable pain, but Mr Gallien was able to relieve him to some extent, and it is hoped that there will be no serious complications.

A SECOND OUTRAGE. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, March 31. A second outrage of a similar nature to that which occurred this morning took place at Messrs Wimpenny Bros’ service station at the corner of Portobello and Anderson's Bay roads shortly after eight o’clock this evening. Two men arrived at the station, and one went in and made inquiries regarding some electric light bulbs from Mr 11. Wimpenny, who was in charge. lie then produced a syringe and squirted ammonia in Mr YVimpenny’s face. The ‘latter, fortunately was wearing glasses, which saved his eyes, and rushing at his assailant he pushed him, but the man and his companion made good their escape. It is considered likely that the perpetrators of the two attacks are the same.