Post by nzbc on Mar 20, 2022 12:30:21 GMT 12
PUT UP YOUR HANDS"
HOLD-UP ATTEMPT
YOUTHS IN CHINESE HOUSE
An unsuccessful attempt to stage a hold-up was made by one of two youths who entered premises in Grey's Avenue at 8.30 last night and interrupted a big game of fan tan which was being played by over 20 Chinese. The two youths, one about 20 and the other about 18, walked into the room from the street and stood just inside the door. After surveying the players the older of the two intruders pulled out a pistol and, pointing it at the banker, who was at the head of the table, called out: "Put your hands up. Hand over all the money." He was referring, of course, to a stack of banknotes and silver totalling about £400 which lay on the table in front of the banker. There was a scatter, most of the Chinese making a quick exit by the rear door. When the youths entered, Charlie Chuck was about to leave by the door. Another Chinese, Chan Sue, remained cool and calm. Observing that the youth with the pistol was trembling, Sue spoke to him and told him not to be silly. In the meantime Charlie Chuck slipped out of the door and dashed across the street to the Chungking Cafe De Luxe and reported the matter to Mr. Norman Doo, who telephoned the police. No doubt realising that the Chinese who had left the building would summon the police, the two youths ran out and were last seen going towards Myers Park. Within five minutes several detectives and uniformed constables were on the scene, but could find no trace of either of the youths. It was a halfhearted attempt at a hold-up, the youth with the pistol being more frightened than the gambling Celestials, »
AUCKLAND STAR, VOLUME LXXVI, ISSUE 273, 17 NOVEMBER 1945,