IN BLACKMAILERS' HANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 103, 2 May 1900, Page 2

IN BLACKMAILERS' HANDS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I am sorry to state thatl, too, hare had1 the misfortune to fall into the hands of a gang of Auckland blackmailers. ,It happened in this way. Some time ago I walked through our jjomain with a female friend, and as we were deeply in love with each other we naturally selected a quiet- spot where we might "spoon" and talk of our future plans, as is the wont of all true lovers. Well, after a little time we noticed it was getting late, so we decided to go home. When we stood up I noticed several men, who were evidently watching, us from behind a bush, hurry off among the trees. •This, however, did not concern us, because our conduct had been. above reproach in every, sense of .the word. The following evening two men called on my friend and accused her of misconduct on the previous day. They made her clearly understand that she would have to pay them several pounds to hush the thing up, and if she refused these terms they threatened to ruin her character, and have both of us prosecuted. We" talked the affair over later that evening, when we thought it would be best to pay the money and be done with it. Unfortunately, this only made our position worse, and eventually it cost us nearly £100 to "square" these dirty blackmailers. Again and again I wanted to take the case to court, but the lady would not allow this for the sake of her people. I wonder how many Auckland females have had a similar experience to the above? I sincerely trust that steps will oe taken to bring to justice this gang of blackmailers.—l am, etc.,

ANOTHER VICTIM,