PECULIAR ASSAULT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18772, 28 July 1924, Page 8

PECULIAR ASSAULT.

" STRUCK THE WRONG MAN."

AN APOLOGY BUT NO HELP.

INCIDENT IN QUAY STREET.

A peculiar assault is reported to have been committed in Quay Street the other evening, Mr. George litter, boatswain on the Shaw, Savill and Albion liner being savagely attacked by an unknown man. Mr. Litter states that as he -was. walking near the King's wharf shortly before ame o'clock a woman asked him if he> was off the Corinthic and on replying "Yes," she began to question him about siomebody on board the vessel.

Before he could reply a strange man rushed up and begsn punching him. When he began to .defend himself his assailant produced a stick and struck him on the head, and knocked him down). While on the ground he received some severe blows on the face.

At this stage four other mert arrived on the scene. They were told that the man on the ground had run off with his wife six months before. This seaman's assailant and the other four men then went away, the woman having left a3 soon as the assault commenced. The injured man regained his feet, and while he was leaning against the railings his assailant returned and asked who he was. On being told, the alleged! husband stated that he had struck the wrong man and apologised, also offering to shake hands. The seaman refused to accept the apology, but asked for help to reach his vessel. The stranger, however, went awfiy without giving _ assistance and the seaman,, with considerable difficulty, made his way to his vessel, where his injuries were attended to by the ship's doctor.