PRIEST ATTACKED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20626, 26 July 1930, Page 18

PRIEST ATTACKED.

TWO THIEVES ROB CHURCH

ASSISTED MAN'S INGRATITUDE

Father Gilbert, the palish priest at. St. Biigirl's Church, at Coogee. Sydney, was the victim of a hiutul assault recentlv •when he attempted to apprehend two thieves who had broken open I lie alms b''\es.

What affected the priest more I ban bis iniuries was the fact that one of the men had come to him for assistance several weeks ago. Fatliei Gilbert had helped him and the man repaid him by lobbing his church, and attacking him vhen he interfered.

The priest arrived al Ins church shortly after 6 o'clock in the morning to pre jiaro for early Mass aikl noticed at once that two alms boxes had been forced open and the contents stolen. As be turned to leave the chinch he noti<ed f man crouching behind one of the pews Evidently the intruder had been interrupted and had taken the (irst shelter that, presented itself.

Fiithoi Gilbert ser/.erl the man in tn.s cnul and remonstrated with hint The lliicf whs desperate awl struck the miesi a savage blow in tlie face, cutting Ins nose arid mouth Although In* spectacles wrie smashed lie put up a strong defence mid tlie intrude) was beaton to tlie ground. Then, in response to his accomplice's cries, a second man appeared arid attacked the prijst. Before the combined onslaught he was beaten back dnrl the two men escaped.