THE GOLD ROBBERS.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8083, 20 December 1906, Page 3

THE GOLD ROBBERS.

A*SUCCESSFUL AMBUSH

KALGOORLIE, December 10

A sensational attempt at robbery has just been made at the Toper Hill mine. It appears that the watchman was recently approached with ai view to participating in the proceeds, agreed to do so, and subsequently gave particulars to the manager, who communicated with the police. Yesterday the usual clean-up took place, and the assayer, after the smelting, put the keys in his drawer. policemen were then placed in a position giving them a view of the smelting-room, one of the drawers of which contained £IOOO worth of gold while another officer and the manager (Mr Dickson) were stationed in a position giving them a view of the assay offices. A man named Gerald Brown and Constable Blake were placed where they could cut off the thieves' retreat.

At midnight two men were seen approaching, of whom one, William Hansen, entered the building, while his companion, E. Marley, kept watch •♦■outside. Hansen secured the keys. and was opening the drawers containing the gold when the police pounced upon him. A desperate struggle ensued, in which Hansen was overpowered. Marley then took to his heels, and was passing Blake and Brown, when the latter called on him to put his hands up. He refused, and Brown fired a bullet, which entered his (Marley'*) back. He was removed to the hospital in a critical condition. Sensational developments are expected.