OVER-ZEALOUS DETECTIVES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 65, 20 March 1901, Page 2

OVER-ZEALOUS DETECTIVES.

A GRAVE MISUNDERSTANDING. MINE MANAGER’S UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. A regrettable incident occurred in Shortland Street at an early hour this morning. Mr H. C. Woollmer, manager of the Waitekauri Extended G.M. Company, arrived from the Thames about 2 a.m., and had occasion to go to his office. On coming out a pair of arms gripped him. Thinking that lie was being attacked by robbers, Mr Woollmer struck at tho man, at the same time calling for help. His cries brought two other men upon the scene, and they joined with the first man in endeavouring to secure him. Presently, one of the men, feeling blood on bis hands, called out: “I’m stabbed.” It transpired that the blood he felt was really that of Woollmers, but he was struck several blows on the head with his own walking-stick. ■: Just then a policemm in uniform appeared, with two or three others, and Woollmer at onee gavc himself up. Under the impression that his snpposed assailants would be arrested, and also on his suggestion, the detectives, for such they proved to be, took him to the Auckland Club, whore he was at'once identified, and released. It is evident that there was a misunderstanding on both sides, the detectives apparently believing they had caught a burglar, while Mr Woollmer was not unnaturally under the impression that he was being robbed.