UNDESIRABLE CHARACTERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 26

UNDESIRABLE CHARACTERS.

ATTEMPTED HIGHWAY ROBBERY. ! (Fbom Ouk Own Correspondent.) ! AUCKLAND, February 20. One of the engineering staff at the Auckland Elecric Tramways Company's powerhouse — Mr J. Mannio-n — had a somewhat exciting experience while proceeding home about midnight on Sunday. He was driving in a light trap, and had occasion to paas along a road through the Domain. Suddenly a man jumped out from the roadside, aaid endeavoured to catch hold of the horse's head', but Mr Mannion dexterously handled the reins, with the result that the man got knocked down and one wheel passed o\er him. On looking round Mr Mannion perceived another man coming towards him in a menacing attitude, and deciding that discretion, would pay best under the circumstances, he whipped up the animal and got out of the way as quickjy as possible. Mr Mannion is of opinion that the men concerned were camping in the pomain, as there was a small fire lighted, evidently for the purpose of cooking. After reaching bis home at Epsom he communicated with the police. A good many complaints have been made lately respecting the undesirable characters at present infesting the Domain, both day and night.

During- the past 21 years the P and O. Company ha» built ship* costing m the aggregate £10 OOO.OOd.