GANG VENDETTA

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 June 1927, Page 10

GANG VENDETTA

RAZORS AND GUNS USED. SYDNEY, May 28. Refusal of injured men to tel), the police anything regarding their assailants throws an air of mystery round the battle which is raging at Darlinghurst, Sydney, between two rival gangs. Several sensational incidents have occurred, however, and police are following with interest the progress of affairs, in which they cannot participate because of lack of definite information. An instance of what occurs is afforded in one case which came under police notice. A constable was called into an hotel in William Street, and there found a man bleeding from cuts on his forehead and wrist. The man, who gave his name as Roy Watson, said that he had been attacked by another man armed with a razor. Beyond that information he would go no further, although he admitted he knew who his assistant was and could identify him. “If I squeal 1 will get more of it,” was his cryptic comment. Several stitches had to be inserted in his wounds. In another hotel a razor and revolver were produced by members of the rival gangs, and one man was slashed across the face. The wife of the licensee bravely intervened, and held the man with the razor. But when police arrived the victim said he wanted no police interference, and would prefer no charge. Incidentally, there was a reason for his attitude, for he had in his possession an unlicensed revolver. The Amazonian hotelkeeper herself put the gangsters outside, and promised to shoot any of them, who (returned and fought their battles in her bar-room. Another member of one of the gangs was set upon by five of the opposition in Surrey Hills a few hours afterwards, and was knocked down and kicked. One of his assailants then produced a razor and lopped off the lobe of the victim’s ear. And still he kept silent when the police came on the scene.

Still another instance. One of the leaders was caught by the opposition in an hotel. They threw him to the ground and took his watch and chain, which they promptly pawned at a nearby pawn office' while some held him captive. Then they presented him with the ticket, and it cost him 10/- to get his property back. He, too, desired no police action. “They will pay for it, never fear,” he told the police. Actual cause of the vendetta, police believe, is a fight which took place between the two leaders a few weeks ago. One of them was badly knocked about, and his assailant was arrested.

But the prosecutor failed to turn up to the Court,i and with no evidence offered, the accused was discharged. Soon afterwards he entered a house in Darlinghurst, was trapped by his rivals, and had his skull spill open with the butt of a revolver. Sundry shots have been- fired dur-

ing this private battle, or series ot skirmishes, but. none have taken serious effect. And until one or other of the gangsters is seriously injured and feels it is time to call in the police. the fighting will go on without official interference.