ASSAULT IN BACH

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 12

ASSAULT IN BACH

WOMAN STRUCK ON HEAD

THEFT APPARENT MOTIVE (By Telegraph.—rress Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Tuesday An attack was made upon Mrs R. F. Thrush, of Eltham, while she was sleeping in a bach at Ohawe early yesterday morning. After striking Mrs Thrush a blow across the forehead with a blunt instrument which caused a fracture of the skull and severe concussion, the intruder disappeared before other members of the household were awakened by the calls of Mrs Thrush. The disappearance of a quantity of jewellery, watches and money suggests that theft was the motive of the intruder. The incident occurred about 2 o'clock in a bach situated some distance from the next house. Mrs Thrush was sleeping at one end of a verandah, while two companions. Airs D. W. Knuckey. of Eltham, and Miss G. Bernard, of Hawera, were sleeping at the other end. Mrs Thrush was struck on the head. She called to her companions for help. Airs Knuckey and Miss Bernard saw no sign of the intruder who apparently made a rapid exit. Blood was pouring from a wound on Mrs Thrush’s forehead.

The injured woman was later admitted to a private hospital where she was reported to-night to be in an improved condition.