AUCKLAND HOLD-UP

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18661, 13 June 1932, Page 7

AUCKLAND HOLD-UP

OFFICIAL ATTACKED. TWO SEAMEN CHARGED. ALLEGED THREATS BY TELEPHONE (By Telegraph.—tress Association.) AUCKLAND, Monday. Arrested a few hours after the sensational hold-up In the city about mid-day, May 27, Francis John Peckham (36), ship's fireman, and William Keough (29), seaman, were oharged In the Police Court with robbing Richard T. Dias of £lO6, and using personal violence. Dias, an accountant, said that for fifteen years It had been his custom to cash wages cheques on a Friday. On May 27, at the bank, he received £146, including 124 pound notes, which he placed in his inside pocket, twenty 10s notes, which he put in his trbuser pocket, and £l2 in silver, which he placed in an outside pocket. When returning he saw three men near the shop. Peckham hit him under the ear and knocked him down. 'His head was held down on the footpath, and he felt hands going through his pockets. On getting up he saw Keough standing on the running-board of a small car. He did not see Peckham then, but Identified him next morning In an identification parade. Cross-examined he (witness), said he attended three identification parades, and in the first one recognised nobody. Witness asked leave to make a statement, and then said that last Thursday and Friday he received two telephone messages from persons who said if he did not deal lightly with accused in the court they would make it hot for him. (Proceeding.)