STABBED IN THE BACK.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1990, 21 February 1914, Page 6

STABBED IN THE BACK.

BY AN EX-STRIKER.

SENSATIONAL AFFRAY IN AUCKLAND.

J WHARF UNION OFFICIALS ATTACKED; (By Telegraph.— Vices Association.) Auckland, February 20. A mild sensation was created on the waterfront early this evening by what is described as a fierce attack, which was made by a member of the old Waterside Workers' Union upon three members of the exocutivo of tho present Waterside Workers' Union. Tho union has received about 150 further applications ■ for membership, and it has been decided to select 50 of the 'men for admission to the union. This selection has not been completed. and a meeting for tho.examination of the men seeking to be admitted was held last evening in tho ■' .Waterside Workers' Union office, which is situated on the waterfront to tho westward of the Queen's Wharf. The examination was conducted by Messrs. G. Wood (president of the union), S. Rickards. (secretary), and J. Miller (a member of the executive). The meeting, was concluded about 7.30 p.m., and tho three officials tb.ea-.left tho office. As they did so, an attack was made on them with a' clasp-knife, used by ,a disappointed applicant for membership. Mr. Miller, who was the- first to step out of tho office, had no sooner reached the footpath than he was attacked by a man, who had' evidently been awaiting the conclusion • of the meeting. . ~ Tho assailant struck two blows with a knife at Mr. Miller's back, one of which failed to take any effect,, but the other inflicted.a small surface wound about half an inch in length in the middle of Mr. Miller's back. Mr.' Bickards, who was ' following closely behind Mr. Miller, was the next to receive the man's attention. The latter mado a lunge at Mr. Eickards, but tho latter, to use-his-own' words, promptly "ducked," and placed a fewyards between himself and his would-be assailant.

Mr. Wood, who was standing on the doorstep, was not'aware- at tho time that tho nun was usifig a knife, and ho stood his ground: Hβ- warded off a blow :with his left arm, his coat sleeve being pierced with tho point of tho knife. Just then Mr. Rickards called out, "Look out! Ho has a -knife! , ?: Mr. Wood-then stepped out of the way,-and as he did so the man held up his knife m a threatening attitude, exclaiming, ''You won't deprive me'of getting my livelihood!" The man also is stated to bavo used ahusive language. A crowd quickly collected in front of the building*- and Mr. Wood made his way to the Water Police Office, returning with Detective Gourlay. By this time the man who made tho attack.on tho'officials was making his way into Queen Street, and he was- arrested there by tho-detective. .Tho man cave his name as Harry Magriusson. He is ■-a. middle-aged Swede. '•-'-••'.. ' ■.: .-.. In the evening, when Mr. Miller-, went outside the office with,the object-of • regulating tho crowd of men. who had assembled, he was seized by throe or four, men, who,' iV is stated, threatened to throw him over the wharf. Ho, however, managed to get away unhurt.