A YOUNG WOMAN’S PLUCK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1669, 1 February 1917, Page 3

A YOUNG WOMAN’S PLUCK.

SCUFFLE WITH NOCTURNAL VISITOR.

Wellington, Jan. 31

A somewhat startling incident in Hill Street in the very early hours of Sunday morning culminated in a serious charge, being preferred against a man named Harold Gladstone Olliver, in the Magistrate's Court to-day. Olliver was charged that on January 28th he was in the dwelling house of Camelia Leslie by night with intent to commit a crime. The house in question is the board-ing-house known as “Kenilworth.” The evidence put forward by the prosecution was to the effect that; Miss M. V. Gutteridge, schoolteacher, of Melbourne, went to “Kenilworth” on Saturday afternoon last. The accused was engaged at the hoarding-house as a porter, and look Miss Guttcridge’s luggage up to her room. Miss Gulteridge retired to rest shortly before midnight, and in the early hours of the morning she was aroused by someone in her room. The intruder approached her bed. and said, “Don’t move, or i will shoot.” Miss Gutteridge stretched out her hand, and felt what seemed to he a revolver. She was apparently a plucky young lady, and instead of fainting or doing anything of (he kind, she grappled with the intruder, and a struggle ensued. When matters seemed to he going against the nocturnal visitor, lie said: “Let me go, and I will not take anything.” The plucky lady then screamed, with the hope of attracting some attention. Meanwhile the struggle continued, and Miss Gutteridge held on until he dragged her through (he window and on to the landing. The accused then wrenched himself tree and went down the steps. This was not the end of the incident, however, for accused, who. was minus his hat and hoots, was apprehended by Constable Budding, and called upon to explain his behaviour. It transpired later that the “revolver” which played such an important part in the proceedings was in reality a water-pistol. As a result of the struggle, Miss Gutteridge received several bruises and a cut on the knee.

The explanation tendered by accused was that he had been drinking heavily, and entered the imoin, which he had previously occupied, by mistake. The accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was reduced to £75.