GUNMEN IN CHICAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21196, 29 November 1930, Page 19

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 Chicagojgunmen the previous night. Mr Hewett was returning from a theatre party with Mr and Mrs Whitney and ' Mrs Gladys 8. Mehan. Their' car drew up at Mrs Mohan’s door, and another car following stopped while five men got out, "They came on each side of our car," said Mr Hewett, "and thrust themselves inside, covering u( with revolvers. Their only words were 'Hands up!’ and then, as we sat helpless in the Oar, they searched us. " After they had collected their booty they prepared to drive away, warning us that if we were to move before they were out of sight they would shoot., “ Despite this we 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 heard 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 wer* about the average and were well dressed, in lounge suits. Mr Hewett asked the reported to communicate with his office and assure his family over there that he was unharmed. "Tell them I am all right," he said, and that there is nothing wrong." . “ the gang began tearing jewellery off Mrs Whitney, but halted’'when she exclaimed, “I will give you all I have if you won’t harm any of us." She handed over her jewellery, including a nmr stated to be worth £20,000. The gangsters permitted one woman to retain her necklace when she assured them it was worth little in money but had a sentimental value.