A CURATE ATTACKED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1007, 15 February 1912, Page 4

A CURATE ATTACKED.

HIS ASSAILANT DRAWS A

KNIFE.

“STAND BACK OR I’LL KNOCK YOU DOWN ! ”

A highly dramatic incident marked the close of the service at St. James’ Church, Lower Hutt, on Sunday evening. Whilst the Rev. W. A. Cross was delivering his sermon, a member ol the congregation, named Robin, known in the Hutt district, was noticed to behave very peculiarly, and appeared to be in a very agitated state of mind. At the conclusion of the service, Mr Cross retired as usual to the vestry, and was promptl} followed by Robin, who immediately began shouting and yelling at the minister, and behaving in a very threatening

manner. His attitude was so bellicose that the reverend gentleman, anticipating trouble, said : “Stand back, Robin, or I’ll knock you down ! ” Robin retired a few feet, then drew out a knife, and made to attack the clergyman, who, seeing the danger, closed with his assailant, and after a brief struggle threw him to the floor.

Hearing the noise, other male members of the congregation entered the room, and assisted Mr Cross to hold the man in restraint until the police arrived, when he was placed in custody. The man was examined by doctors in Christchurch at Christmas time, but was no considered a fit subject for an asylum. A week ago, he was again examined by two doctors in Wellington, and, as one of these considered Robin was sane, the Magistrate refused to commit him to an asylum. Yesterday, however, it is understood that two doctors saw Robin at the Lower Hutt, and pronounced him to be mentally unbalanced. — Dominion.