THIEVES ESCAPE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1935, Page 6

THIEVES ESCAPE

WELLXGTON STORE BOBBED

PROPRIETOR HIT ON MEAD

(Per 'Press Association, Copyright)

WELLINGTON, May 29.

While struggling with three men who broke into his shop iu the eaily hours of this morning, -Mr I. E. f'ur■ness, proprietor of the Dominion Store, .Miramar, was struck on the head by one of his assailants, receiving a nasty ’gash. He also suffered considerably from shock, and to-day was confined to bed. Mr Furness was awakened at about 3 a.m. by the burglar alarm 'which was connected with the .shop, and, accompanied by -Mrs Furness, lie went to investigate. They found three men about to leave the (shop wVfch' two large Hour sacks full of tinned goods, including. tobacco and fruit.

Mr Furness tried to bar the door to prevent the men from escaping, but they charged him, and while he was struggling with a man on the footpath, another struck him on tile head. Mrs Furness, who was armed with a stick, endeavoured unsuccessfully to protect her husband. Her calls for help were heard by Mr Mount next door, who arrived ou the scene with a baton, but by now the burglars were almost ready to escape in a ear. Mr Mount rushed to the car with his baton, but missed .the driver, striking the wind-screen 4 which he broke.

The driver swore volubly, and his two companions began bombarding Mr and Mrs Furness and Mr Mount with tinned fruit. They then drove off. It is understood the ear was later found abandoned in Miramar Avenue, with bloodstains on it. Only about £1 in cash was taken from Mr Furness.

TWO MORE BURGLARIES

WELLINGTON, May 30

The premises of A. Fang and Co. .'builders and hardware merchants, in Vivian Street, were entered.over night, and a safe weighing two cvvt. was taken away to Evans Bay where it was blown open. Over £4 was stolen. The premises of New Zealand Fisheries, Ltd., in Wakefield Street, were also entered, and a safe blown op.en. No details of this burglary are yet available.

COURT SEQUEL TO THEFT

AUCKLAND, .May 30,

$As the sequel to a- happening on the night of May 17, when the police found three men in an office and twU of them injured; John Leslie Spicer, aged 23, appeared to-day on charges -of assault, and also of demanding money with menace from Alfred Richard Buchanan with intent to steal. At his counsel’s request, Spicer was remanded. Bail was refused, v