THRASHING AN EDITOR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1037, 28 February 1880, Page 2

THRASHING AN EDITOR.

Editors of newspapers should be well paid servants of the public, when it is considered how liable they arejto attacks upon the person. The following is from the Northern Luminary published at the Bay of Islands, and which frequently contains much eccentric writing. One Mr. Mackenzie is the editor. ' ' On Saturday afternoon" last, quite a lively but disgraceful scene occurred, near the Good's Shed, Kawakawa. As the proprietor of this journal was quietly proceeding along Gilließ-street, he was accosted by a big burly-looking fellow of the name of Goodhue, and after appearing to have a quiet chat, and Mr. Mackenzie was about leaving (without any hurly-burly), Goodhue made a rush from behind with a rope about three feet long, which he had drawn from his pocket, and commenced a vigorous attack, which, however, lasted but a few seconds, aa both men closed and down they went into a dust heap. The two then got up, by which time a few people gathered round, when Goodhue closed again, and managed to get the rope round Mackenzie's neck ; by repeated scuffles he then got the editor's head nicely " tucked under," and dexterously procuring something from his pocket, commenced a prodding process, soon after which the color of blood began to spill. During this time the crowd had considerably enlarged, and one plucky fellow of the name of Robert Foy rushing forward, caught hold of Goodhue and began to administer some vigorous kicks on his shins ; Mr. Mackenzie then got his arms free and slipped through his coat, thus getting clear, while Goodhue in the meantime was dragged away, and soon made himself scarce by jumping on the train, which was bound for Taumarere. Both men represented remarkable looking objects, caused by the dust and the red stains (taken by the assembled crowd to be blood). A portion of those present appeared to be highly amused at the whole scene, if uproarious laughter and sardonio grinning can be taken for anyI thing, but only for the timely rescue it is certain the cowardly essailant would have had a deathblow, as Mr. Callaghan, who, like many more present, thought blood was really being spilt, was in the act of dealing a crusher with a junk of firewood, just as the parting took place. Unfortunately the police were not present at the time of the assault, Constable O'Oonor being out in the country on important duty, and Sergt. Donovan about coming to the post office. Great praise is certainly due to those who assisted in the time of need, while those who appeared much amused at the scene are surely welcome to exclaim. "Let them laugh who win."