AN ASSAULT IN THE DARK.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 12, 14 January 1918, Page 5

AN ASSAULT IN THE DARK.

YOUNG WOMAN MAI-TREATED. PAINFUL INJURIES. An assault of a. violent nature having painful results was made on a young woman, Miss Nellie Freeland, daughter of Captain J. Freeland, of the trawler Simplon, by some person unknown, on the new Point Chevalier Road late on Friday night. Mi 66 Freeland, who is about 19 years of age, left Lower Queen Street about 7 o'clock on Friday evening, to visit a friend, Mrs. Bond, of Mallian Street, Grey Lynn. Arrived at the house, she remained until 11 o'clock, leaving at that hour to walk home. Mrs. Bond accompanied her to the top of the hill, opposite the Chinaman's garden.

The night was dark, and, as there are no street lights in the locality, it would be difficult to see anyone approaching. Miss Freeland had proceeded some 100 yards down the hill when from behind she heard light footsteps coming nearer. This did not disturb her peacefulness of mind, and she continued on. But only for a short distance, for without warning she was Btruck on the head from the back. Putting her left hand up, she was again struck, this time on the hand, all the fingers being bruised, tho finger-nail of the little finger being practically torn from the flesh.

This second blow was too much for her, and she fell to the ground- There she remained for a few minutes, regaining sufficient strength and control to find that blood was flowing freely ifrom a wound about two inches long at the back of the head, and to make her way home as fast as she could in her shaken condition. She arrived home at 12 o'clock, and, on acquainting her people of the occurrence, went to bed. In the morning the Kingsland police were informed, and a doctor was summoned. The girl was removed to the Hospital later in the morning.

Miss Freeland had received her wages, and was carrying them, when assaulted, but whoever it was who assaulted her, he or she did not search her or place a •hand on her. The assault was so sudden and violent that the young woman had little opportunity of recognising her assaulter, who is still at large.

As far as she knows, Miss Freeland has no enemies, nor can she account for the unwarranted attack. The nature of the wounds points towards the instrument used being made of wood.