MIDNIGHT ATTACK

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1933, Page 9

MIDNIGHT ATTACK

MAN STRUCK ON HEAD. ASSAILANT ESCAPES IN DARK. Palmerston North, Feb. 10. With robbery as the probable motive, a savage assault was made shortly after midnight yesterday upon Mr. J. Vickerstaff, a resident of Cuba Street. As he was about to enter the gate of his home adjoining the showgrounds, he was struck a heavy blow on the head. He endeavoured to grapple with his assailant, but the latter fled. Mr. Vickerstaff, who is a billiard saloon proprietor, said he was carrying the day’s taking from his business. He talked with a friend on the comer of Waldegrave Street for a few minutes, then proceeded toward his residence a little over. 100yds distant. On the way he heard footsteps steadily overtaking him, but he took no notice. Just as he reached the gate and was turning to unlatch it, the footsteps drew level with him, and he was struck a violent blow on the head with a heavy blunt instrument. Reeling from the blow, Mr. Vickerstaff called for help, and although feeling dizzy from the effects of the blow, he trigd to grapple with his attacker. The man, alarmed by the call for assistance, made off and disappeared through a vacant section on the other side of Cuba Street. Subsequently Mr. Vickerstaff had to receive medical attention, seven stitches being inserted in the wound on his head.