Wellington Hoodlums.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 276, 21 March 1889, Page 2

Wellington Hoodlums.

Wellington never could claim a very high character, but it will soon equal some of the worst Australian cities if it is not rid of much of its blackguard element. Last Thursday's Press says :— ** In one case, a member of the civil service proceeding shortly after 11 o'clock on Monday night along the pavement of the street, in question found himself confronted by sonmm fifteen or twenty of ihe gang. They opened out to let him pass through, but no sooner had he entered a yard or so within their ranks than he felt a violent blow on the book and a kick behind. Turning sharply to see who had assaulted him, he received a blow on the face, and was told to go on about his business. He went, as he was simply powerleu against such odds. Strangely enough,

A’lU, is case nappenea on liib ■amv evening ' and within ten mlnutae of the other. In this instance the son of a well-known tradesman here, proceeding quietly along the pavement at the same locality, endeavored by edging towards the roadway to avoid the gang. This was not to be permitted, however, for one of the number came up to him, shoved his face into his, shouldered him, and tried in every way to provoke a breach of tho peace, some seven or eight of tbe gang going round as a sort of reserve in case of a row. The first ruffian’s obj-ot, of course, waa to provoke a row, but the gentleman in question kept his temper, and while watching hie tormentor, managed to reach Harbor-street Here the hoodlum, who all along had been most insulting (n his behaviour, barred his progress, but finally allowed him to pan, no doubt fearing that assistance might be too readily procurable from Willis-street. In this cue the gentleman markad his man aa a well known spieler, and the detectives were duly Informed of what had occurred. The third end last instance was nothing more or less than a direct menace of robbery will; violence, A gentleman in the employment of a mercantile firm boro, whose office abuts on Victoria street, had, as is his wont, been working late. On looking np for the night he found a man posted just along the door> way, while on either side soma little distance away were other man, evidently watching h’s movements. The first man peered close into the face of the gentleman, and than wont to the two on the right hand ride, as if reporting something, and quickly returned to tl e gentleman's side again. When asked by tbs latter what be wanted, he said, “ Oh, not'-A ing," but it was evident that he was meararirg his man with a view of snatching tbe keys away, or to provoke a row during which his accomplices could obtain possession of them. Fortunately, however, the man thought better of it, and the man went away scatheless to find a police constable. As he did not find one till he reached Manners street he elected not to report the matter then, but he aubee. quently gave information to tbe detectives, with a description of the man referred to, and we understand, the description was recognised by the officers as that of a notorious bally, and bad oharaoter.” But, after alt, what better oan be expected when we find the Minister of Bdntatied p» i running gatsmoniy fight* f ■