CLEANER'S BATTLE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 31, 7 February 1944, Page 4

CLEANER'S BATTLE

BEATS OFF INTRUDERS IvMFE USED IX CABARET A cleaner, Mr. B. W. PofTley, used a length of rubber to beat off two servicemen intruders who entered the premises of the Trocadero Cabaret, Queen Street, early Sunday morning and demanded to know where "the cash" was kept. In the scuffle that ensued Mr. Poffley received knife wounds in the forehead and arm, but was able to return to his home after receiving attention at the Auckland Public Hospital. According to the story told by Mr. PofTley he was at his work at 7.30 a.m. on Sunday when he heard a car stop at the back entrance, which he had left open for the milkman. Thinking this was who it was he did not look round, but called "Good morning." A voice replied "Where do you keep the cash?" and he swung round to see two American servicemen. He told them to leave, and when they merely laughed at that he grabbed a length of rubber from a counter. One of the intruders pulled a knife, but was struck across the head by Mr. PofTley. In the struggle the cleaner received a cut on the forehead and another knife wound in the left forearm. The other serviceman had left the premises, and, after taking punishment from Mr. PofTley. the one who had the knife also went away.