GANGSTER KING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 85, 11 April 1935, Page 9

GANGSTER KING

TAKEN IN BED. U.S. KILLER BANDITS. The most desperate gang of killer bandits in rhe eastern United States were taken alive by United States Department of Justice men. Robert Mais, known as Ihe “ Eastern Public Enemy No. 1,” was captured in New York with four of bis lieutenants a.nd his sweetheart, Mary McKeever. All were taken to gaol. Mais, a squeaky-voiced killer, whoj shot his way cut of gaol at Richmond, { Virginia, where he was awaiting execu-1 tion, and started a second career oft robbery and murder, was covered by police guns as he lay sleeping in a New York lodging house. A loaded revolver lay ready tit hand on a table near his bed, but he never had time to reach it. Two men lest their lives when Mais escaped from Richmond last year. He was to have been executed for the murder of a truck driver during a holdup. His mother was indicted in connection with this escape. Mary McKeever has been known to the police for years as an accomplice in the gang's many crimes. Since Mais’ escape frc?m Richmond the gang have held a large part ot the Philadelphia underworld in a reign of terror. They have been ruthlessly tracked down during the last t\<o months, ever since Millia-m ("l»ig Bill”) Weiss, a Philadelphia gambler, v, ; . k dnappe.d for a £20.000 ransom. It is believed that Mais received a, large part, of 'this money and then killed Weiss. been graded in their order of urgency. “ Crushing Plant.—At the Rangitikei River crushing plant the crusher screen and conveyor installation for the screening anti crushing of pit metal has been (■onipletcd together with the, necessary electrical work. This plant is now in use producing the metal required for the half-mile of experimental work being undertaken by the Public, Works Department on the Himatangi-Sanson Road which will keep the plant working for the remainder of the month. On May I, a start will be made with the production of metal with this plant for the Hima-tangi-Sanson Road 5 mile contract. r I he river metal plant is working satisfactorily, the total output for the month of March being 407 clbic yards. The staff have been chiefly engaged on the installation of the, new plant. “Tramway.—The tram gang has been, engaged in the usual general maintenance work and putting in check rails for the deviation bridges on the Sanson-Bulls Highway. “Buildings.—The county cottage at Rongotea siding has been renovated and repaired. It has also been painted. Three building permits fo the, total value of £857 have been issued and the usual inspections made. The Oroua Bridge at Kopane. The engineer submitted the following additional report on the Oroua River Bridge at Kopane. The council decided to approach the Main Highways Board with a view to having the work carried out. “On examination of this* bridge and approaches I can only retiterate what I have previously reported. The bridge is in such a state of general decay that it would not be economical to undertake structural repairs. If this structure is not to be subject to load restriction I would recommend that an early opportunity be taken to meet the Kairanga County Council and the Main Highways Board with a view of arranging for the construction of a new bridge. The approach on the Manawatu side is on a grade of 1 in 24 and is only 16 feet wide on the ' road surface. The vision is poor and the approach too narrow. To build up and widen the approach to make it safe for passing traffic I estimate the cost would be £l2O, the Highways 1 Board subsidy on a basis of £3 to £1 , would be £9O and the Kairanga County Council and this council would pay < equal shares of £l5 each. The ap- 1 proach on the Kairanga side is not so dangerous and could be left in the ' meantime. ’ ’