MASKED INTRUDER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 158, 24 September 1927, Page 1

MASKED INTRUDER

BOY’S PLUCKY FIGHT CHILDREN BOUND AND GAGGED (Special to THE SUN.) WELLINGTON, Friday. It is reported from Masterton that a masked burglar broke into a lonely house on the outskirts of the town, and, after binding and gagging a 16-year-old boy and a small girl, made a close search of the house. The house, which is in Mokoia Road, is occupied by Mr. H. Brewerton. The son said he was studying when, at about 7.30 p.m., he became aware that a man was in the room, having come through the door. The intruder was dressed in a brown suit, wore a black hat, and had the upper part of his face concealed by a mask made from white calico. After closing with him the bos attempted to snatch the mask from the man’s face, but was struck on the jaw. He fell and was half-stunned through striking his head on the fender. He was then bound with his hands behind his back and gagged with a handkerchief, which was secured with string. The five-year-old granddaughter of Mr and Mrs. Brewerton was similarly bound and gagged. The burglar searched the boy’s pockets and removed 14s. While he was engaged at this the girl worked the scarf off her face and called out several times to the boy, but the man appeared to take no notice of her cries. He ransacked the house and broke into a moneybox, removing a small sum. The boy later struggled free and communicated with the police, but could give no accurate description of the man.