GUNMEN IN CHICAGO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20716, 8 November 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

GUNMEN IN CHICAGO.

THEATRE PARTY ROBBED. 'adventures of englishman. Speaking from Chicago to Manchester to a Sunday Dispatch reporter a few weeks ago, Mr. James A. Hewett, a Manchester business man, gave a graphic story of his experience at the hands of the Chicago gunmen the previous night. Mr. Hewett was returning front a theatre party with Mr. and Mrs. Whitney and Mrs. Gladys S. Mehan. Their car drew up at Mrs. Mohan's door, and another car following stopped while fivu> men got out. " They came on each side of our car," said Mr. Hewett, " and thrust themselves inside, covering us with revolvers. Their only words were ' Hands up!' and then, as we sat helpless in the car, they searched us. " After they had collected their booty they prepared to drivo a\Vay, warning us that if wo wece to move before thuy Wore out, of sight they would shoot. " Despite this wo rapidly gave the alarm to the police, but it was too late, as the car was out of sight. At the time of telephoning I have hoard of no arrests being made. The whole affair lasted under 10 minutes. There were no passersby." Questioned about the appearance of the men, Mr. Hewett could only say that they were about the average and wero well dressed, in lounge suits. Mr. Ilowett asked the reporter to communicate with his oflice and assure his family over hero that lie was unharmed. " Toll them I am all right," ho said, " and that there is nothing wrong." One of tho gang began tearing jewellery off Mrs. Whitney, but halted when she exclaimed, " I will givo you all I have if you won't harm any of us." She handed over her jewellery, including a ring, stated to be worth £20,000 The gangsters permitted one woman to retain her necklace when she assured thorn it was worth little in money but had a sentimental value.