TRAFFIC INSPECTOR ATTACKED

Southland Times, Issue 23347, 3 November 1937, Page 11

TRAFFIC INSPECTOR ATTACKED

DRAMATIC CHASE OF TWO YOUNG MEN (United Press Association) WANGANUI, November 2. A dramatic chase from Ohakune down Para Para road towards Wanganui from a point near Karioi ensued tonight after Traffic Inspector Hardigan, of Ohakune, had been attacked and rendered unconscious at approximately 8 p.m. while driving in his car several miles south of Karioi. Inspector Hardigan noticed two young men removing benzine from one of a number of drums on the roadside. He stopped and, upon accosting them, was set upon and rendered unconscious. When he regained his senses he discovered that his keys had been removed from his car, but he managed to start it. He drove to Ohakune, where he summoned Constable Frost. It was ascertained that the youths had driven down Para Para road and after advising the Wanganui police Constable Frost and the inspector set out in pursuit. A car, containg a detective and two constables, left Wanganui and travelled up Para Para road and when 20 miles out they passed another car. It was realized that this was the vehicle they sought and they turned. The car was found abandoned in a dark part of the road a short distance away and the constables and the detective set out in chase of the youths who had made for open country. One was apprehended in an open paddock and the other was found lying in a ditch. They were brought into Wanganui, where it was found that the car they had been driving had been stolen in Hastings a fortnight ago.