Saturday evg. Waipukerau May 4th./68 Dear McLean, I have just met Mr. Canning who tells me of a very bad case of escape of a prisoner committed for theft by connivance of the people in my neighbourhood. The man is believed to be in the Bush near my place shielded by the rascals who are as bad himself - I want you to send me up Scully at once. It is a bad case and wants an example making of it. The man was apprehended on my Warrant committed by Messrs Canning and Hudson - left at Hudson's House in charge of the District Constable from whom he made his escape thro' the help and dodges of the people then there. I dont send for the Waipawa men for they are not much use. It wants a sharp man and to be up without delay. Have Scully send to Wellington description of the man with word to stop him if he gets away thro' the 70 Seventy Mile Bush. The man is called Frank Hyde he is a carpenter - about 55 years of age - 5ft. 6 1/2 in height - stout build - greyish hair with almost grey whiskers. He is well known all down the road - he worked as carpenter in the Telegraph line. Knows the 70 Mile Bush track well. He was working for Harrison at the Puke Puke. Edwardes District Constable is now in the 70 mile Bush seeing after him - see to it. Yours truly J. D. Ormond.