Petrol bomb thrown

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32494, 2 January 1971, Page 1

Petrol bomb thrown

(New Zealand Press Association) NAPIER, January 1. New Year revellers wrought havoc in Napier last night and early today. Twenty-seven persons were arrested for riotous behaviour, the worst features being repeated bottle throwing and the hurling of a Molotov cocktail into Emerson Street, Napier’s main thoroughfare.

Emerson Street was littered with broken glass, through which many motorists were forced to drive. More than 20 policemen with three police dogs, were on duty but they had difficulty controlling the crowd of about 5000. The police today described the situation as “decidedly ugly at times.” Seven persons were treated at the Napier Public Hospital for dog bites. The first arrest was made at 10.37 p.m. After midnight seven more arrests were made on Marine Parade, and 18 in Emerson Street. These arrests were for fighting, obscene language, threatening behaviour, obstructing the footpath, and disorderly behaviour, which included rip-

ping out parking meters. Another man was arrested in Taradale Road for using insulting language. All were released on bail and they will appear in the Napier Magistrate’s Court on Monday. About 11.30 p.m. nearly 5000 people gathered on Marine Parade, many of them drinking. After the ringing of the bell at midnight the crowd surged down 'Emerson Street, ripping out parking meters and bouncing, thumping and kicking cars. Some car owners retaliated by leaping out and striking offenders. The occupants of a flat in Emerson Street began a bottle throwing exchange with people below. At 12.45 a.m. the police issued the following warning: “You have two minutes to move. You have had your fun.” The police moved the crowd back on to the footpaths with the aid of dogs, but more bottles were thrown and Mr Patrick Francis Foley, of Napier, was cut on the head. He was treated at the Napier Hospital. About 1 a.m. a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the middle of the street, but it caused no damage. From then on the crowd slowly dispersed. The police today described many of the bystanders as just as big a menace as many of the louts. “They made our work a lot Ynore difficult and many of them were just waiting for something to flare up,” a spokesman said.