Man Beaten And Left Senseless

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30471, 19 June 1964, Page 12

Man Beaten And Left Senseless

A 20-year-old member of the Mohawk gang was beaten and left unconscious by three men in Addington last night. The victim, Mr R. E. Young, of 7 Kent street, has the hair oi) his head shaven off except for a strip down the centre and wears an ear-ring in his left lobe. He suffered severe head and facial injuries.

The police called a St. John ambulance at 10.4 p.m. Mr Young was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital. His condition was later reported to be satisfactory. Two years ago, there were a score or more members of the Mohawk gang, all with hair-styles of the North American Red Indian tribe. Several of them wore an earring in the left ear. Members of the gang have become progressively fewer and the police think Mr Young may be the last of the Mohawks. He is possibly the only member in Christchurch still flaunting his head dress.

Mr L. J. Gay, of 9 Kent street, said that Mr Young had called out to him and collapsed oh his front porch.

Mr Young had been unconcious for about 20 minutes. His face was covered in blood.

Mr Young and three other young men are living in a flat at 7 Kent street. They have had the flat for a fortnight. Mr Young told the police that he had been in the flat alone when three men burst in and attacked him. He said he had been kicked in the face.

Mr Gay said that Mr Young had a very badly cut and swollen lip and his entire face was bruised and swollen.

The police found Mr Young’s flat empty. There were signs of a violent struggle. Police inquires were continuing early this morning.