SUDDEN ATTACK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 139, 13 June 1936, Page 26

SUDDEN ATTACK.

INCIDENT AT HAMILTON. OX SALVATION" ARMY MAX. (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, Friday. While interviewing a stranger who called at his residence early on Wednesday evening and asked for a loan, Adjutant S. Bridge, oflicer in charge of the Salvation Army at Hamilton, was suddenly attacked by the man and received a severe pummelling. The assault took place in the hackyard of Adjutant Bridge's residence., About five o'clock the man called and asked for a loan of half-a-crown. However, Adjutant Bridge saw that he had been drinking and refused. After some protest tlie man left, but returned about half an hour later with his wife. The request for half-a-erown was repeated. .Adjutant Bridge remained firm in his attitude. With that the couple turned to go, but the man suddenly swung round and struck Adjutant Bridge over the heart.

Two other blows followed in quick succession, one oil the mouth, which drew blood, and another 011 the forehead. Although the .attacker was younger and much heavier, the adjutant closed with him and they both fell to the ground. Hearing the commotion in the yard, Mrs. Bridge rushed to her husband's assistance, and liis 11 -year-old son, Ken. also tried to save his father from further injury. The stranger then rose to his feet and seized a heavy batten, waving it in a threatening manner.

Adjutant Bridge's daughter dashed to the telephone and called the police station for assistance. With his own wife attempting to pacify him, and knowing that the police had been summoned, the man accepted Adjutant Bridge's advice to leave quietly.