DESPERATE CHARACTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6704, 30 December 1908, Page 6

DESPERATE CHARACTERS

At 1 o’clock last Friday morning a somewhat sensational incident occurred in the To Aro end of the city, which may, possibly havo some bearing upon the murder in Courtenay place. James McKay. the niglitwatrhman on the Taranaki street wharf, was sitting in his office when two men sought admission to "put up for the night.” One man forced his way into the room, and as McKay had been paid his month’s salary in the afternoon, he thought it advisable to sound the police alarm bell. Tho men hurriedly attempted to pull down the bell, which is outside the door, and McKay took tho opportunity of locking his door.

Tho men decamped, hut paid a surprise visit to John Nelson, nightwatchman at the tramway stores in Jervois quay, next to tile power-station, about two hundred yards from the wharf. They severely battered Nelson, who called loudly for help. Tho firemen working in the power-station came to his assistance, but the two night-prowlers ereaped. The police should have little difficulty in apprehending the .men. owing to tho excellent description obtainable from McKay.