The Convict Roberts

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 138, 21 June 1888, Page 3

The Convict Roberts

Up to yesterday, says the Christchurch Press of Monday last, there was no reliable information to hand as to the whereabouts of the escaped convict Roberts. The following story, which illustrates the sympathy shown for the escapee, comes from the Ashburton district. Recently a man, who in appearance very much resembles Eoberts, left his employment on a station in the Mount Somers district and called at hotel not far from Ashburton. The station owner made some inquiries as to the whereabouts of the man, which led to the impression being formed in the minds of several people that the man was Roberts. A number consequently went to the hotel, and finding out the supposed convict, shook hands with him and shouted for him. " Roberts" took hi& treatment in good part and after he had been made to imbibe pretty freely, his pockets were £lied with bread and cLeese, and he V -was sent along the road with the good wishes of his newly met friends. Constables McCormack and Bleaeal returned to Lytteiton on Friday night, but had found no trace of the fugitive Constable, McCormack was mounted and worked the country thoroughly from Akaroa via Little River to Lyt--telton; and Constable Bleasel worked the country about Port Levy. An inquiry is being held at Lytteiton Gaol before Captain Hume. It is a private one. The Commission visited Bipa Island on Saturday morning to "view the scene of the escape.