“GETTING THEIR GOAT”

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1935, Page 7

“GETTING THEIR GOAT”

HAWERA PEOPLE HELD UP ANTICS OF MIDNIGHT MARAUDER. NO RESPECTER OF POLICEMEN. PEEP THROUGH BEDROOM WINDOW. Several pedestrians abroad at Hawera late on Tuesday night and early yesterday morning came into conflict with a billy goat which spent the night in the town streets far removed from the end of his tether in a quiet paddock. Homegoing citizens late on Tuesday night and in the very early hours of yesterday saw the wanderer townward bound. Billy’s first conflict with humanity came when he chased an inquisitive cat through an open window. A spread of horns prevented the marauder entering the room, but his appearance at the window scared a young woman into seeking masculine aid. A mere male armed with a hay fork was too much for the goat, who came off second best in an uneven '’onflict.

Undaunted by his experience Billy made for town. Amongst those who questioned his movements was the nightwatchman, but Billy carried on and his movements are not known until a policeman hove in sight. Again the conflict was ari unequal one, but it was the upholder of law and order who was vanquished over a garden fence. As the daylight increased more pedestrians appeared in the streets, offering more scope for Billy. A young woman arriving for duty at one of the High Street hotels found her way effectively barred, but a dash for the door, while Billy s attention was momentarily attracted elsewhere, was successfully accomplished. . w “Pedestrians to the right of him, pedestrians to the left of him ’ left Billy wondering which to tackle seriously, and so he reached Regent Street. A handy rope ,in a garage, usually used tor other purposes than tethering goats, was brought into. play and Billy’s freedom «mded when he was securely tied up in a Vacant section to await trie arrival Of his owner and his return to greener fields.