UNPROVOKED ATTACK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 18

UNPROVOKED ATTACK

HAMILTON INCIDENT WANTED TO BORROW MONEY [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON", Friday While interviewing a stranger who called at his residence early on Wednesday evening and asked for a loan, Adjutant S. Bridge, officer in charge of the Salvation Army at Hamilton, was suddenly attacked by the man and received a severe pummelling. Tho assault took place in tho backyard ol' Adjutant Bridge's residence. About 5 o'clock tho man called and asked for a loan of Jialf-a-crown. However, Adjutant Bridge saw that lie had been drinking and refused.

After some protest the man left, but returned about half an hour later with his wife. The request for lialf-a-crown was repeated. Adjutant Bridge remained firm in his attitude. With that the couple turned to go, but the man suddenly swung round and" struck Adjutant Bridge over the heart. Two other blows followed in quick succession, one on the mouth, which drew blood, and another on the forehead. Although the attacker was younger and much heavier, the Adjutant closed with him and they both fell to the ground. Hearing the commotion in the yard, s Mrs. Bridge rushed to her husband's assistance, and his 11-vear-old son, Ken, also tried to save his father from further injury. The stranger then rose to his feet and seized a heavy batten, waving it in a threatening manner. Adjutant Bridge's daughter rushed to the telephone and called the police station for assistance. With his own wife attempting to pacify him, and knowing that the police had been summoned. the man accepted Adjutant Bridge's advice to leave quietly. As ho went lie threatened further revenge. While attempting to assist her husband Mrs, Bridge injured a finger.