STREET BRAWL

Evening Star, Issue 23166, 16 January 1939, Page 1

STREET BRAWL

SEVEN YOUNG MEN IN FIGHT FOUR REQUIRED HOSPITAL ATTENTION [Pee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, January 15. Seven young men were involved in a fight which broke out in Upper Queen street at about 7 o’clock on Saturday night. Although only fists were used, four of the participants were ultimately taken to hospital,-Hvp A beingi admitted; and tw<J treated in the casualty department before being allowed to go home. One young man was arrested and charged with fighting in a public place, and the whole matter is at present the subject of investigation by the police. None of those taken to hospital was charged by the police. The men involved in the brawl were in two parties, one of three and the other of four men, and the disturbance appparently commenced outside a telephone box in Upper Queen street, where a member of one of the groups was telephoning. Words were exchanged between two of the young men, and after a few blows tho remaining five friends joined in. The fight went on for several minutes, numerous pasers-by at that time giving the brawlers a wide berth. A message was sent to the police, and as a result two constables from the central station and two from Newton were hastily despatched. Eight constables finally arrived on the scene, as a brawl of more serious dimensions was expected, and the young men were .Separated much the worse for their bout with bare fists. The four whoso plight was worst were sent to hospital in an ambulance, and two were admitted with concussion. Their condition is not serious, and one was discharged to-day. The other two were taken to the casualty department for treatment for abrasions, and, although no charge was preferred against them by the police, one attempted unsuccessfully to make his escape, while the other ran off through the Domain, and, although chased, was not discovered.