ATTACK FAILS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 4, 5 January 1934, Page 2

ATTACK FAILS.

ROBBERY ATTEMPT?

MAN TWICE KNOCKED DOWN.

DEMAND FOR MONEY.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

PUKEKOHE, this day.

At a late hour last evening an attempt was made to assault and rob a Pukekohe East farmer, Mr. Herbert Barton Cowan, while he was yalking along Princes Street, Pukekohe, on his way to visit a friend, Sir. P. Gallagher, at Beattys Road. Mr. Cowan had reached a dark spot in the street about a quarter of a mile from Mr. Gallagher's residence when a man stepped out from a hedge and accosted' him, asking him if he had any money. The assailant attempted to hit Mr. Cowan with something which appeared to be a sandbag. It was about 15 inches long and about two inches thick. Mr. Cowan attempted to hit the assailant on the chin, but he ducked and the blow landed on the man's nose, knocking him to the ground. As soon as the man rose he hit him two more blows which again knocked him down. The assailant then ran away. "Mr. Cowan, who was once a very proficient amateur boxer, stated that if he hadn't just recently come out of hospital lie would have knocked the assailant out. After the incident he went to Mr. Gallagher's house, where he rang for the police, but when they arrived the assailant had disappeared. The man is described as being about 30 years of age, 6ft high, strongly built, clean shaven, with a fairly dark complexion and a coarse voice. He is apparently a New Zealander. Mr. Cowan stated that he had never seen the assailant, before, but would know him again. The man will probably have his nose and cheek marked.