MAULED BY THUGS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 203, 7 May 1912, Page 8

MAULED BY THUGS.

OLD MAN ROBBED. KNOCKED SENSELESS BECAUSE HE WOULD NOT "SHOUT." Auckland, May 3. Frank Taylor was arrested this morning on a charge of having last evening violently assaulted and robbed Edward Olsen, an enfeebled man seventy-four years of age. When seen at the corner of Customs and Queen streets, where ho sells newspapers, Olsen, who had struggled down to his employment because he had not the wherewithal to purchase a meal, was found lo be in a very weak state and shaking'from head to foot. As he received payment for a paper he could 1 only sob his thanks. j Olsen made the following statement: — "I was alone in my room in St. Paul street last evening about 8 o'clock when a young man entered and remarked, 'You have got to shout.' I refused, whereupon the man said, 'I will make you,' caught me by the throat, and threw me back on to the bed in the corner. The man then snatched my watch and chain, and, ripping open my trousers pockets, took all they contained —about 25s in silver. I called for Help, but the intruder tightened his grip upon. my throat till I became insensible and collapsed. After some time I recoTered consciousness and crawled along to Constable Watson's residence near by. I told the constable what had happened." Constable Watson at once made a search, hut without result. Olson supplied Constable Gourley with particulars of the case, and from the description it was thought that the arrested mam was implicated. With the assistance of Constable Baker search was made. It was soon learned that Taylor had spent the night on board the auxiliary schooner May Howard, but he had left there early- this morning. Search was made through a number of hotels, and Taylor was eventually discovered in om. On being charged wita assault he strenuously denied any knowledge of the affair. He was taken to the water-front police station and searched, the watch and chain being found in | his possession. This Olsen claimed as the one ho had been wearing previous to the assault. Taylor had only Is in his pocket. He was charged at the Police Court I this morning, and on the application of i the police was remanded for a week.