MODERN HIGHWAYMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17151, 3 May 1919, Page 2 (Supplement)

MODERN HIGHWAYMEN.

DARING STREET " HOLD-UP."

REVOLVERS FREELY USED.

From America comus the news of ft pitched battle fought between ft band of armed highwaymen and police in the struts of Long Island. A group of about thirty men, who had just received their pay envelopes, were proceeding home, when suddenly they were confronted by three men, who pointed revolvers and shouted for every man to hold up hie ' hands.

The order was obeyed, and while two of the men, with two revolvers, kept the froup covered, tho third man went Ahrough the workmen's pockets. No watches or other valuables wero taken, only the pay envelopes and what other money was found. One of the workmen had just made the last payment on a SOdol Liberty Bond, and this was also taken. As scon as the hold-up man had finished rifling the pockets of the workmen, the trio made a bolt for an automobile which was waiting. The workmen, recovering their courage, made a dash for the car, which w;.s moving away, when the robbers began firing, one of the workmen being wounded. The report of the shooting attracted the attention of the police patrol, which galloped up, and immediately started in pursuit of the car There ensued a running fight through the streets cf Long Island, two of the bandits firing incessantly at their pursuers, while the third drove the car.

A policeman's horse was wounded, and he was brought down. People came out of the houses airing the streets, and shots were fired by them at the runaways. A cart getting in the way of the car enabled the police to catch up. Two of the men were seized, and dragged from the car, when the driver started again, getting clear away.