EARLY MORNING ASSAULT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1939, Page 3

EARLY MORNING ASSAULT

ATTACK ON PROPRIETOR OF TEAROOMS. MAORI LATER APPREHENDED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 28. An attack was made upon Mr Reginald Smith, aged 62, proprietor of the tearooms at the buried village, Te Wairoa, when he surprised a Maori who had entered the premises in the early hours of yesterday morning. Mr Smith, who was awakened by an unusual sound, was opening the door of a sitting-room leading off the veranda when a strong electric torch was shone in his face and he was struck heavily on the mouth and sent reeling back Mong the verandah. Steadying himself against a counter, he observed his assailant making off along' the road. While Mr Smith went for his rifle and to call the assistance of his son, his wife communicated with the Rotorua police. When about seven miles from the tearooms, Constables Donnelly and Kemp, who had hurried out in a motorcar, saw the lights of a car in front of them being switched off. When they came abreast of the car they discovered that it had been overturned on the road, apparently after striking a bank, getting out to find whether anyone had been injured, they saw a Maori dodge away from the side of the car and run along the road. Constable Kemp gave chase and caught the man after going about 100 yards. It was discovered that the car, which was extensively damaged, had, unknown to its owner. Commander D. M. Fell, of Rotorua, been removed from his residence during the night. Mr Smith had to receive medical attention in Rotorua for facial injuries.