THE CONVICT ROBERTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1869, 16 June 1888, Page 3

THE CONVICT ROBERTS.

The vicinity of the railway station presented a most animated appearance last evening, as it was bruited abroad that Roberta had been captured at the Hinds, and was being brought on by the express train. The presence of bo many member* of the foroe, detoctives, etc , In the district lately, lent c lor to the rumor, aa it was freely atated that Roberts had been seen openly. It was some considerable time before the crowd ooald believe that they wore being hoaxad, and that no Roberts *»aa to be found* It was curious to notice the action of the crowd jostling one another to get the flrat view of the noted gaol broaker. It seems that a policeman hsd been sent on daty to the Hinds on horseback, and there received a wire to go farther south by train and leave his horse. A lad from the ntab'es was sent to bring back the horse, and the conclusion jumped to was that the trooper bad Roberta m tow, and wonld bring him up by train. It was some time before the crowd would be convinced that Roberts was not In irons, la a horse-box, the tra'B. What gave credence to the rumor that the capture had been tffeoted Is that a distinct double of Roberta la at present In the district. Those who know Roberts say the two persons, at first sight, are exactly alike In feature and build. It Is assorted that thla double has been watohed very oarefally by a number ot people, and even the police have been deceived for a time by his appearance. While the police are actively searching this place from Gbristohurch ooroes the news that Roberta has escaped to eea m a boat well provisioned, and that he expects to be picked np or tfteot b landing on some part of the coait where he 1b not likely to be pounoed upon. A rumor is flying around too that he has been seen at Mount Somers. In fact he eeerri a perfect will-o'-the wisp and he can con - gratulate himself that he fa leading the police officers a lively dance