DAMPING A DETECTIVE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3600, 25 January 1883, Page 4

DAMPING A DETECTIVE.

About 'two months ago Detective Hughes was transferred from Christchurch to Auckland. Tho principal reason for this removal was that a man well acquainted with the criminal classes of this city was required to watch- the persons leaving by tne mail steamer for 'Frisco. Detective Hughes has already proved the wisdom of this step, and -U'jceeded in bringing several eases before

the Courts, which but for his activity Avould probably never have been heard of. But on one occasion the gallant officer reckoned Avithout his host. Shortly after his arrival iv Auckland, it became a part of his- duties to make a I'cav enquiries about the Fire Brigade. He Avent round the members picking up '-'line upon line, and precept upon precept," and treasuring them in his mind against the day Avhen they should be required. Air Hughes (a name-sake by-the-way), the Superintendent ofthe Brigade, observed the Dcctive hanging round, and became suspicious that something Avas in the Avind. He did not like the manner in Avhicli the officer Avas Avorking himself into the confidence of the firemen, and determined to stop his little game. One night a fire broke out in Queen-street, and the detective Avas early on tho scene. He at once began to make himself useful. He avus just getting interested in the Avork Avhen tho firemen got the Avater on, and the A-cry first jet Avas directed, not on the building, but— on the unlucky detective ! As there is a pressure of about 70lb to the square inch the result may bo imagined. As ho afterAvards stated, he avus "knocked all of a heap." His ardour Ava-s completely "damped," and he retired moralising. He uoav says he docs not thin], much of Auckland firemen, and as for "'hosing," if he had not been a man nearly as big as a J__use. they never could have hit lii__________,