THE PRISONER DUREEN.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 17, Issue 930, 30 January 1871, Page 2

THE PRISONER DUREEN.

The escaped prisoner Dureeu, after a short experience of liberty, has been recaptured, and again consigned to durance vile. He arrived yesterday by the Rangatira, and was immediately restored to his old quarters. The following account of his capture is from the Wellington Advertiser of the 18th inst.:—

"Constable Purcell arrived in town last night by the Manawatu coach, bringing with him the celebrated horse-stealer and escaped felon, Dureen. We are enabled to give our readers fuller particulars of his capture. It appears that information had been forwarded by the police authorities to all the officers along the West Coast, advising them of Dureen's escape from Napier, and the probability oi the runaway attempting to make his way towards Wangauui. From farther information obtained, Constable Purcell communicated with Constable M'Nally, stationed at liangitikei, and on Sunday last, at about noon, rode quietly along the road, put their horses in the stable at Mr Scott's, hotel keeper, and were about to enter the house for the purpose of a dinner, when they were struck by the appearance of a fine racehorse, evidently but lately ridden, quietly " doing a feed " in the end stall. The thought immediately struck them that the horse had probably been ridden by the very man they were in search of, and they determined to keep strict watch, Dinner was served in a front room commanding a view of the main road, and the officers were in the middle of their repast, when they heard the sounds of a galloping horse, and rushing to the window saw their man on the very horse in question. It should be stated that the stable is aome distance from the house. To saddle their horses and commence the chase occupied only a very few minutes, but by this Dureen had got 500 yards start, and was riding a splendid animal, though slightly built. Purcell, who had the strongest horse, soon left his mate behind him, and after a desperate race for above two miles rode ahead of Dureen, and, seizing the reins, arrested him without any resistance being offered. The prisoner denied his identity, and threatened proceedings if he was detained, but the wily officer was not to be deceived, and led him back in triumph to the lock-up at Manawatu. The constable knowing what a slippery customer he had charge of, sat up during the whole of Sunday night, but nothing happened, although his suspicions were aroused. On Monday morning, about three o'clock, he left his house (some twenty yards from the jock-up), feeling still uneasy as to

Dureen's safety, and it was well he did. On approaching the lock-up, he fancied he smelt something burning, and on proceeding to the cell discovered, under the urinal, a portion of the floor to be on fire, the hole was then nearly large enough to admit of Dureen making his exit through, and there is little doubt but that iu another hour he would have effected his escape. The constable (to whom great praise is due for his energy and carefulness) secured him at ouce with irons, ancl brought him, as we before stated, into town by Cobb's coach, when he was sent to the jail for safe keeping. The horse is a racehorse, supposed to be in training for the Wanganui races. The prisoner was searched in the usual way, but it is supposed a match must have been left in the lining of his waistcoat, and that he managed to create a flame by portions of his clothes. He is about nineteen years old."

—By the same paper of the 24th instant we learn that the racehorse found in Dureen's possession—a valuable animal —has been claimed by a Manawatu native.