THE CAPTURE OF THE HATFIELD BUSHRANGERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 58, 18 March 1879, Page 3

THE CAPTURE OF THE HATFIELD BUSHRANGERS.

Balbanalb, 27th Feb

The capture of the Hatfield bushrangers was effected by two Moula% mein constables, who were on duty at Balranald when information was received on Saturday morning. First class Constable Beresford, Canstable Power, and Special -constable Day started out on Saturday morning, and overtook the bushrangers, after riding ] 80 miles, from 9 a.m. on Sat' urday till 7 p.m. on Monday. The constables secured a black tracker from Clare, and ran their tracks to Kilfera Station. Mr Casey, J.P., manager of Kilfera Station, supplied the best horses on the station, and started with the police to the four mile dam, where they came on the gang, camped and' preparing their supper near two small trees on the edge of a lignum scrub. The bushrangers ordered the police to bail up, the troopers answering by calling on them to surrender in the Queen's name. The gang fired twice af. the police with> out effect. The police promptly at turned the fire. Constab le Power's horse was unaccustomed to firirg and broke away. Power quickly mount* ed Mr Casey's horse, and rejoined the other trooper, again covering the bushrangers, who were now tryiug io escape. Several shots weie now exchanged, Power being shot through the right shoulder, but not dangerously. The police now most pluckily surrounded the gang. Gorman and Hobbs two of the bushrangers narrowly escaped being shot. The bushrangers on being again challenged, all threw up their arms and surrendered. 'ihe police having handcuffed them and taken their firearms brought them to Kilfera Station.