COWARDLY ATTACK

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 547, 2 June 1933, Page 5

COWARDLY ATTACK

TE AROHA INCIDENT MAN SEEKS OUT PLUCKY' BOY AND SAYACELY STRIKES HIM CULPRIT STILL AT LARGE' 'Te Aroha, Wednesday. A surprising and cowardly action on the par.t of the perpetrator, was th'e sequel to the attack on the 12-year-old boy, George Edmonds, last Thursday evening. On Monday night at about 8.30 the lad, who had been attending a church service, made 'his wjby via' Rewi Street to his grandmother's house. The street is not very jwell illuminated, and as he was approaching the rear of the theatre he noticed a fairly tall man standing slightly in 'the shadows awaiting him. Not suspecting anything, the' lad continued on his way until opposite the man, who accosted him and enquii'ed if "he was the plucky boy who- ha'd been struck by the burglar on Thursday evening." On th'e boy's affirmation, the man struck him on the; jaw with his left fist and, then took to his heels. ' * ■ - ! The blow was so severe' that it laid. open th'e boy's cheek and sent him reeling. He immediately went to the police, and after receiving attention, declared that it was the same man whom he had seen trying to break into the house last Thursday. "" r__, Though' at first he had" not recognised the man, he was confident when he took his heels that he-was one and the same. He has given, a good description to the police, who are making every enquiry. Te Aroha parents, while « "Somewhat .alarmed, are feeling particularly outraged at this second cowardly assault, and the police are offered the fullest co-operation to bring] the culprit to justice. . •• Th'e police have issued a warning to parents that, while such individuals are at large, children be .allowed out at night only under proper es- ' cort.