A Clever Capture.

Manawatu Herald, 14 June 1894, Page 3

A Clever Capture.

* From the Wanganui Herald of Monday's issue is the following, which is almost identical with the attempt to enter a dwelling at Christchuch some time ago by two men supposed to be hawkers, and published in this paper a week ago. It gives another insight to the various methods practised for the sake of plunder, and one which housewives would do well to take notice of : — On Saturday afternoon last, about 2.30, a man named James Mills went to the back door of Mr W. Butler's residence in St. Hill Street. Having knocked, and receiving no answer, he went round to the front door, the occupants evidently knowing the man was a hawker. Shortly after this Mrs Butler remarked to Miss Butler that the man had surely been inside, but no further notice was taken. On Mr Butler returning home he saw waiting outside his house another man, but at the time attached no importance to this 3 , although, he remarked, what turns out to be Mills just coming out of the gateway. Mr Butler went to the football match, and on his way to the Recreation Ground espied the two identical in dividuals. Some time after his return from the football match, Mrs Butler acquainted her husband with the fact that a . diamond and sapphire ring was missing. Search was then instituted but without avail,-, and suspicion beingaroused, Sergeant Cullen was communicated with, this being about 8.30. p.m. The police immediately made enquiries, and found that although Wells was in town, the other man could not be traced. It was too la to then to send any wires away (it being nearly midnight) and so it was not until five o'clock yesterday afternoon that Sergeant Cullen was enabled to send circular wires giving a description of the suspected party and of the stolen ring. This morning about 9.80 a wire was received from Sergeant Slattery, of Palmerston North, that a suspect, who gave his name as Walter Smith, had been arrested there, and the ring recovered. Smith evidently journeyed from here by the 440 train on Saturday, and pawned the ring at Abrahams' pawnshop in Palmerston North. The accused will be brought through by late train tonight and will be brought before the Court to morrow morning. Mills, the alleged accomplice, was arrested by Sergeant Cullen in Ridg way- street about 11 30 this morning.