The Escaped Prisoners.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 11, 13 July 1896, Page 2

The Escaped Prisoners.

ARMED SEARCH PARTIES IN PURSUIT. (Per Press Association) New Plymouth, July 11. The escaped convicts were seen at 10 o'clock this morning on the Beaconsfield road, near Midhirst. Three constables are in pursuit. This Day. The escaped convicts were seen pasing along the railway line at nine o'clock on Saturday night. The alarm being given, the men dropped their swags and escaped to the bush. The swags were found to contain a complete outfit, evidently from Veale's store at Midhirst, Aikmann, one of the escapees, told a settler he parted with the other two because they stated their intention of doing for any one) who tried to stop them. They still have the warder's rifle. The country is actively patrolled by the police, special constables, Hawera Mounted Kifles, and volunteers. The tov/nship of Midhurst was the scene of great excitement on Saturday over the exploits of the escaped prisoners from New Plymouth, Mr Black, a settler near Midhurst, was stopped on the main toad by two men who had a gun. They demanded money, and threatened to fire. Black gave them nothing, and they allowed him to walk away unmolested. News having been sent to Stratford, Constable O'Donovan at once went in pursuit. Some fifteen men also left Stratford to assist. About thirty at Midhirst likewise turned out, and searched all the adjacent roads and bush. Tracks of the men are plainly seen, but no sight of the men themselves. It is reported the escapees stole ammunition from Wales's store, and as they have a gun with them, some danger is feared. Many of the search party armed themselves. — Times.