STRUCK WITH SANDBAG

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1931, Page 8

STRUCK WITH SANDBAG

woman’s 'Gainful experience

AUCKLAND, July 7

A violent'attack on Mrs H. F. Butler, of. Arney crescent, Item tier.a, was made by an unidentified man who came to the back door of the house on Sunday evening. Mrs Butler was struck on the head.' with an object believed to be a sandbag:. The circumstances of the assault and the nature of the injuries bear a close resemblance to the attack on a girl in Warrington roazl, a neighbouring street, two weeks previously. Airs Butler and members of her family were at the evening meal when a knock came .at the. back door.. Mrs Butler went to the door and it is stated, Saw a figure crouching round the corner. A man’s voice asked her if there were any men in the house, and before she could answer she was struck a blow with an object he held in his left hand. Staggering into the house , Mrs Butler collapsed. Her assailant disappeared, and a resident of Ainej road observed a man jump over the fence into the road. A doctor who was summoned could find no evidence if a blow having been administered until some hours later, when a,.n extensive swelling, consistent with the impression made by a sand bag, appeared on her temple. , ■ Considerable alarm has been caused in the neighbourhood by the incidents, and extra precautions have been taken by many of the residents in case ot fuvtber disturbsnce-s.

When approached; last night for confirmation of details of his wife’s experience Mr Butler opened the door with a raised stick in his hand. “We have had one ugly experience here, and we are not having another.” he said. “I prefer to hit first and ask questions afterwards.