THE OPOTIKI HOLD-UP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 93, 27 July 1945, Page 5

THE OPOTIKI HOLD-UP

YOUNG MAN & GIRL ASSAULTED

ACTION BY MAORI YOUTHS

A widespread search by the police throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty continues for two Maori youths who are alleged to have been responsible for a sensational 'hold-up' in the Otara near Opofiki on Tuesday evening. The incident took place in a fairly lonely spot which is surrounded by heavily wooded hills which would make an excellent hideout for any irresponsible® who attempted to p»ay the bandit. The story which reached the Opoti'ki police late on Wednesday evening concerned a youth Cedric Horton and Miss Jocelyn Morice, who were proceeding home in the early evening 'in the former's car. Experiencing tyre trouble, Horton left the car to borrow a jack, from Mr C. Black's house in the vicinity. On his return he was accosted by an armed and masked Maori. A struggle ensued but he was " overpowered, knocked down and blindfolded. His head was pushed under a wire fence and he was searched and robbed. He was then, forced towards the car where his asailant was joined by another Maori similarly armed l and masked. He was forced; to do what the Maoris wanted and was struck a blow with one of the rifles. His hands were then wired behind his back. The Maoris then attacked Miss Morice blindfolding and gagging and finally tying her hands behind her back with a belt. Horton was then searched again, after which ■the Maoris made off up the hillside. Miss Morice stated that whilst awaiting her companion's she. was approached by a man who appeared to be bearded. He asked about the benzine, and then suddenly dragged her from the car. In the struggle they both fell to the ground and she became covered with mud. She was then trussed up and left lying on the roadside.