BRIGANDAGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2170, 5 June 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

BRIGANDAGE.

A DAurvc outrage by brigands (says the St. James 1 Gazette) is reported from Palermo. According to the news to hand, a band of armed ruffians attacked the villa belonging to Viscount Bridport, or tho Dulce of Bronte, as he is known in Sicily. The villa is named the Castello do Maniace, and bears a high historic interest, having been presented to Admiral Lord Nelson by the Neapolitan King for the gallant services rendered by England's naval hero after the victory of the Nile, when he expelled the French from Naplpa. The brigands, on March 18, advanced boldly to the villa, their evident intention being to carry off the Hon. Victor Hood, the son of Lord Bridport, with a view of obtaining a high ransom. They were met, however, by a smart fusillade from the guards and servants on the estate, the fire beintc briskly returned. All attempts of the brigands to gain the house were frustrated. Many of their number were hit, and they were finally brillantly repulsed, the Hon. Victor Hood and his defenders capturing four of the robbers, who were unable to effect their escape. The outrage has create. l quite a sensation. Five years ago a band of robbers made a similar attempt upon Lord Bridport'a estate. They were then repulsed, one of the robbers being shot.