BANK ROBBER KILLED

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2780, 26 November 1931, Page 4

BANK ROBBER KILLED

SHOT DEAD BY OFFICIAL. ATTENDANT ATTACKED. SENSATION IN AUCKLAND. After attempting to rob the Remuera branch of the Bank of New Zealand about noon on Tuesday a man staggered from the building and fell dead a few paces down the footpath. He was killed by a revolver shot fired by the bank officer, Mr F. W. Youngs. The man entered the bank about 12.25 p.m. and handed a letter to Mr Youngs, who had scarcely commenced to read it when he was attacked and received a blow on the top of the head that sent him reeling to the back of the room. A handful of fine scoria -was then thrown in his face. The assailant shut the door and reapproached Mr Youngs, who drew his revolver. The former then ducked behind the counter and when the officer raised tlio lid of the counter the man made a movement and Mr Youngs fired. The robber made a rush for the street with Mr Youngs following him. As the man left the building the officer evid-* cntly fired a misdirected shot as a bullet mark was found on the door jamb. Death on Pavement. Before the assailant had gone fat down the pavement he stumbled and fell and died a few moments later. At tbe same time Mr Youngs was standing in the door of the bank with the still smoking revolver in his hand, calling “Stop thief! ” After the sensation a bottle and a hard back brush were found on the pavement beside the body. It is presumed that these articles were carried into the bank in paper for concealment. Mr Youngs’ wound was not a dangerous one. When interviewed he stated that the man had visited the bank a few days previously and discussed certain business.;-, Man Identified. The man was identified yesterday as Oswald Laurance Coulton, aged 24. It is believed his parents live in Sydney. It is known that he worked on a farm in the Papakura district for 18 months ; and his employers speak well of him. He had also endeared himself to those who stayed at the... apartment house with him in Auckland. However, Auckland detectives are not satisfied with his previous record, and it is known that the possibility of his being concerned in the Blomfield murder has not. yet been definitely put aside. , A cable from Sydney last evening stated police headquarters there said a man named Oswald Lawrence Coulton was convicted at Singleton, N.S.W., for forging and uttering on July 24, 1929. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment.