The Arrest of Detective Kirby.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 271, 21 May 1896, Page 2

The Arrest of Detective Kirby.

The Napier Herald gives the following particulars }— In connection with the above charges it is alleged that the accused, whilst acting as detective in the police force at Timaru, brought pressure to bear upon Herman, who was in business there as a tobacconist, on an alleged ohargeofan immoral nature. Herman protested bis innocence, but in order to keep the affair-quiet it is alleged that he handed the deteotive his gold watch and chain and also the two cheques mentioned in the information. Subsequently the matter leaked ont, and Herman finding bis business ruined was compelled to leave the colony. It is further alleged that when the authorities became aware of the circumstances Detective Kirby was asked to explain by what means he became possessed of Herman's watch. In answer, it is stated, he said he won it in a *wager over the Dunedin Cup. After remaining away for some time, Herman returned to the colony a few months ago and. commenced business in Wellington. Herman, it is now believed, finds that he has been blackmailed, the qharge originally brought against him haying, it is further stated, no foundation in fact. Circumstances arising out of a recent enquiry before the Commissioner of Police resulted in the above action being taken.