HOLD-UP ON WHARF

NZ Truth, Issue 1213, 28 February 1929, Page 5

HOLD-UP ON WHARF

■» Theft and Assault Leads v - ■ To Exciting Chase | THUG VIOLENCE SHOWN L, , . S - (From "N.Z. Truth's" 'Special Auckland Representative.) c Prompt action by gatekeepers William Palmer and I John Brophy resulted m the capture of one of two men f who set out apparently on an expedition of robbery with ' violence on the Auckland Waterfront on the night of December 10, last. s c " ■•■-•■ I | ; : — 1

asked for a cigarette.' He was told J that he had none. Siddens, he alleged, was following him, but he did 3 not know it at the time. > The two men, he alleged, then got a J grip on his arms and he was powerless. This was followed by a severe blow on the cheek-bone, which made his face bleed. Another blow at the back of the ear dazed him. This, he thought, was struck by McKenna. "I called for help," stated Kneebone, "and while they were attacking me I distinctly remember hearing the words: "Grab his watch," "They were both attacking me, and I fell over into the gutter. I am sure it was Siddens who got my watch. McKenna was m such a position that he was not able to do it." Having freed himself, Kneebone made for the gate of the Prince's [ Wharf, and he saw two gate-keepers , coming towards him. 1 The two gate-keepers set off m pursuit, while the victim waited at the I gate. Presently the two men came

back with McKenna between them, and he was immediately recognised as one of the men who had committed the assault. He had no doubt about Siddens being the other man when he saw him ten days later among eight or nine other men at the police station. To Mr. Sullivan: "I had had very little liquor that night. McKenna was wearing a cap and an overcoat. I don't think there is any doubt that McKenna was the man.' 1 : ■ . Examined by Mr. Meredith he replied: "At no stage did I have any doubt as to Siddens or as to McKenna." A distant eye-witness of the assault and robbery on the previous witness had been William Palmer, who was just about to be relieved by his fellowgatekeeper, John Brophy. ; In his own words, Kneebohe's face "was knocked about and he was bleeding at the mouth. When I saw him coming towards me I saw two men break away from him and run towards the Albert Wharf. Kneebone complained that he had been robbed."