POWELKA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 825, 12 April 1910, Page 2

POWELKA.

STARTLING DEVELOPMENTS.

ESI'A I’RE AND OFFICER GRAPPLE.

MAG \' 11? E I )ES I’ HR AT El-V WOUNDED. POWELKA AGAIN DISAPPEARS. MORE INCENDIARISM AND P.URGLARY. A liiglnvuy toliliiTy, live serious Hits. ruu dcsj)i'iati‘ chasi's, . utui numerous tlii'fts in all parts of flic district havr |imdiici-d llic must oxcilitig week in tliu itislorv of Palmerston. Tint people look the llrst two or three incidents calmly enough, but as it became more clearly evident that the author of till these crimes was bent on destroying, indiscriminately. the feeling of insecurity and uneasiness gradually increased. A terrible consummation was reached last night when Sergeant Maguire, a young and promising ollicer. was so desperately wounded by the miscreant that his life was from tin l lirst despaired of. and he now lies in a very low condition.

The week-end was full of incident. After Powelka's sudden reappearance in Aslihurst on Saturday morning l if was considered likely (hat he would at the earliest opportunity return to Palmerston. On Saturday evening a burglary was reported from Ferguson street Fast, Midnight had hardly been passed when tile lirebell again rang out an alarm, and the destruction of a. house in Seandia street added further to the belief that the now dreaded escapee was again in Palmerston. The town was thoroughly watched till morning, but no further reports of attempted incendiarism or burglary came to hand. Then with daylight came lurlher rumours. Powelka had been seen by various people in various parts of the town, it was reported that a man had made a bed in a haystack in Vogel street, and invest igal ion showed that there someone liad made him>e!l comlortable with books and magazines. Then came word of a man id’ Powelka's build having been seen on Uangilikei Pine; and still another that he had appeared near the Hour mill. A further report stated that lie had been seen in North street, and Ueteetive Siddells and a cou]»Je of constables immediately scoured that part of the town, but without result.

Mcliiburs of (tie local Volunteers anti others joined in the search for Bouelka at Ashhurst anil along the Maiiinvutu Kiverfroin Terrace End to Awapuni. The seal eh was continued all day, and Colonel Pringle and .Stall'-Sergea id-;Major IJovey, accompanied by a number of police ollicers. motored round about the river bed in the vicinity of Awapuni. At the back of .Mi- Slack’s property they came across a camp hearing signs of having been occupied by someone in enforced retifoment.

All these and other alarming rumours served to show that i’owelka was hovering round Palmerston, and that something serious could be expected when night fell. ]!ut though many feared, lew expected that that something would be fraught with such terrible consequences.

THE .SCENE UE THE SHOOTING. At about 7.15 p.m. last evening Mr E. Hamilton rushed breathless into the police staiion anil conveyed the information that Powelka had crossed Eor-gn-on street and mitered I he grounds on which his residence is located. A detachment of six police ollleers were at once despatched to the scene, guided by Mr Hampton. No, 61, Ferguson street, is a pielinesqiiely situated collage, near the junction „f Ferguson street West with Alexandra -I reel. It has a more than average stretch ot lawn in front of it, uliilst on it- eastern side there is a small orchard containing some well grown trees. The cottage lias been built for some years, ami i-. in fact, a porlimi ol the earlier Palmerston. It was for years the residence ot Mr K. P. Edwards, ol Palmerston. ft has a short drive, the private road passing between the house and the orchard, which is divided oil from the drive by a wire fence. At the end of tile lawn, and abutting almost on to ihe verandah, there is a gate giving access from the drive to the front door. (In Sat unlay night, when its occupier. Mr L-.. Hamilton, manager of Hanks and t'o.'s butchery establishment in the Square, returned home lit' was greatly enneerneil to find, by forcible contact with it. that one oi the wires of the oivluinl lenee I uni been cut. a loop made at till- severed end and the wire stretched across 1 he drive. t In' loop being dropped across || lr top of one of the pick.-I- Ol 1 1 11 - feme on the lawn side of the drive. Mr Hampton at mire eonnei-ied the matter with I’owelka, who once worked for him. ami was aware tlnil it was Mi 11 a mptoii’s i-n-lom to take .Saturday's '•takings'' home with him. As soon a- Mr Hampton had recovered from hi- collision with the wire he went inside and ihen lelnrned lo rown to the police -taiion. where he saw Snli-lrispee-lor ()'l tollman. The latter was informed of wind had been dune at No. 61, lull was unable to send a constable down to the house owing to the simple fuel, that one was not available. Mr Hampton ret limed home and retired for the night, which passed oil’ uneventfully. Yesterday tile orchard wa- searched, when underneath one of 1 he apple trees, near where the wire was cut, were found iiiimistakeable evidence that .someone had camped there. The grass was trampled down, there were (lie remains of two eaten apples, and. most higiiillcant of all, a, stout wadcly, cut from a limb of the apple (rcu. ‘ There was then no doubt in Mr Hampton’s mind that, the elusive Powelka had Selected his house for at least some of Ins inconstant attentions and a strict watch was kept upon the grounds all day but without result. As evening approached Mr Hampton determined to redouble his precautions, because he still expected a ret urn visit from the fugitive. At lit-.-1 Mr Hampton took up Ins quarters m the orchard, standing well within the gloom of the trees. From there he was driven by the rain, and lie then look up Ins position on the verandah. He vacated that position because he thought that if the police, whose aid he had again invoked, came down they might, mistake him for the hunted man, ami, us he puts if, “bore a hole through him.” Selecting a grey overcoat Hampton went through his gates on to the road and took up a sheltered position under a couple of trees. He states he knew that he was practically invisiule there in the uncertain light, because of the number of people who passed him without taking any notice whatever. His patience was not greatly strained. He hail not been on tho watch for more than half an hour before he distinctly heard the dull thud that is made when a man lands after jumping a fence. The fence, in tins instance, was the one encircling Mr .Milverton’s paddock, on the opposite side of the road. Hamilton, well Pack within the gloom of Hie trees, watched every movement ot the wary individual who had come over tho fence and who was moving with a silent step across the road. Quietly, but us with a mind fully made up to a. ! course of action, tho intruder crossed tho roadway and entered the double gate on to Hampton's property. The latter, as soon as the visitor had been lost in tho gloom of tho orchard trees, sped away for the police, running along Ferguson .street and then up i’rinccss street to the station. There lie told his tale to Sergt. Magniro and Heteetne Quartermain, and they, with four constables, accompanied Mr Hampton to his residence. (hi the wav tin l Bcrgcant -ta (ioncil a constable in Church stivcl lo look after I lie back of flic cottage, which abuts on to the big disused bricklield, previously worked by Mr Edwards, whilst men were also stationed at other likely places where the fugitive might try to break through the cordon. Sergeant Maguire, Detectives Quartermain and Siddels, and Constables Dunn and Wilson, and Mr Hampton went on to the house. On arrival there a search of the grounds was made. During the cearel) Constable Dunn remarked to Sergeant Maguire that he (Dunn) would go across the grounds to see if Powelka was on the other side of the house. The Sergeant remarked: “No, you stay where you arc, and 1 will go.” With that the Sergeant went across the grounds, and lie apparently came unexpectedly in touch with tho fugitive; they immediately closed, and a brief struggle ensued. Thu next thing that was heard by tho other searchers was a call as for assistance or of surprise and the flash of a firearm, followed by a groan. Defective QuiuTermain, who was but it very

short distance away, tired two shots in the direction of tin- flash. for no object could he seen. as the night was very dark, hut without result. Tim police officers immediately went to the assistance of their comrade. Sergeant Maguire. Tlion their war'l tears were realised. Sergt. Maguire being fournl on the ground apparently desperately wounded t»y tile -hot fired hy I lie escapin' wliil-t the pair were strugglin';. Of Fowelka. not a glimpse was seen, and he, according to Mr Hampton, must have jumped the fence oil to (lie roadway and returned over Milverton’s fence, whence lie came. It was pitch dark at the time and the street fence is about ten yards from w lie re the struggle took place.

Sergeant. Maguire was the only member of the police parly who was unarmed.

It was just 12 minutes u> eight when the three shots were heard by a resilient of the locality, who was but a. short distance away, so that the search was but brief though ii succeeded in unearthing tlie fugitive and had such a tragic ending. Although nothing delinite is known, it is surmised that when Hampton and the oUicers went round the back of the house. Sergeant Maguire, who was not armed, left tho gate where he was stationed and approached the dark and narrow space between the cottage and the next door house, and was immediately met by Fowelka, of whose identity there is no doubt. The struggle* took place quite clo*e to the space between the two houses. When it was seen that the .bird' had flown again, attention was directed to the wounded ollicer, who was still lying on tin' lawn. Ur. Wilson was at once sent for. and the sergeant was taken to the hospital in ins motor. Following upon the noise of the .shots, the whole neighbourhood was aroused, and in a very short space of time the street was alive with people. The police were not inactive, and soon had the whole Mock surrounded, several civilians assisting the police in (ho blockading movement, Parties were also sent out to keep a watch on the Fitzherbert bridge. The watchers were all armed, and a strict watch was kept up till daylight, when the police patrol was withdrawn from Ibe neighbourhood. Mr Hampton i" of opinion lhafPowelka got away over Milverton’s ience, and in that ease he would not bo in the patrolled block in Ferguson street, but would have the raupo swamps in (he llokowhitu lagoons open before him. and from them e the way to the liver would be clear, with splendid cover almost all the way.

A M KAL IX PERU USUX STREET. When Mrs Farhuid and her daughter returned to their home in Ferguson street on Saturday evening after their u.-ual excursion to town they found u really startling stale of allairs. The house it as in it state of disorder, and everything pointed to the fact that the temporary oeeupaut had eome with a good appetite and departed with everything likely to satisfy that appetite for sonn' lime to eome. Xo valuables were taken, but the thief had had a splendid supper, doing away with a goodly array of food. fie had I hen filled a sack with provisions, taking bread, butter, pickles, cold meat, etc., thus depriving the household of the greater part <>l Sunday's eatables, it was also apparent Unit the visitor needed some warm clothing. ile had taken a lady’s cloak from Ihe stand, but found it would not lit him. and so he left it somewhat damaged by his determined effort to get inside it. THE FIFTH FIRE. If all the appearances at Mrs Earland’s house pointed to tile fact that Joseph Powelka had been llie visitor, this convict ion was further strengthened when three hours later, within three hundred yards of the spot, the fifth lire of the week broke out. it was again in an unoccupied house, situated on the corner of Scamlia street and College terrace, and was owned by Mrs .V. A. oodwanl. formerly of Aslilmrst. The house has been unoccupied at least since Xmas, and was a. fine seven-roomed structure roimerly owned b\ Mr A. Kingsbeer. It was msured fur ±I4OO in the Commercial L nion.

The town clock had just chimed the lirst hour of morning when the lirehell rang out. the alarm. From the town the glare seemed far away, and many people. Having Joseph Powelka in their minds, immediately came to the conclusion that he was visiting Ids vengeance on Ashlinrst, for the glare appeared to be right .n that direction. However, I hey were mistaken.

Wlirn I hi' Brigade arrived on the..seem' till' house was Weil in tile Slip of tile dailies, and the adjoining residence, ncruined by Mr A. 11. I'idler, was also neinir attacked. Tills latter place is only a ten feet from the destroyed building, and the Brigade, under Snperinlendeni vVainer. did eM-ellent work in sat ins it.

Superintendent Warner wisely deeided hi return a contingent of men to Bailiierslon immediately lie had taken in the situation, and a cyele brigade of ball a <lo/eii rode back to (lie central station in remain in readiness for any lurtlier conflagration. I.nekily none came. Mr I l 'tiller retired to bed early in the evening. but bis wife, who remained awake, sals slie beard foolsleps about itie unoccupied premises next door as early as ten o'clock. ft was reported persistently at I lie lire that an old yeoman Had been sleeping in tile house, and had been seen to leave just before the outbreak, but, this had no corroboration, dust, after 12 o’clock Mrs Fuller again heard movements, and woke her husband. lie went out on to the verandah to investigate, and saw llatucs bursting through the building next door. lie rushed down the street to give the alarm, but could litid no means of doing so, and then returned to save his furniture. One of the numerous nightwatchmen saw the glaro in the town and gave the alarm.

A STONEY CREEK INCIDENT. Other reports state that Powelka travelled from Ashhurst to Palmerston along the mam road, or within easy distance of it. Last evening at b. 45 p.m. a man is said to have knocked at the door of the little church in the Stonuy Creek road. The knock was answered by Mr MeLeavey, a well-known settler. The culler bad evidently mistaken the building, for he enquired for Mr Clovers, who keep the store and post olhee. next door to the church. On being informed of his mistake the stranger, a tall slight dark man, turned away and within the next couple of minutes Mr Grover was disturbed by a knock at the door. It was the same tall slight dark man, and standing well back from the light that streamed through the open door he represented himself lo be a police officer on tlie watch lor Powelka, and as it was a wet night he would be glad if they could lend him an overcoat. Suspicion was aroused by the man’s evident deter; imitation not to come within tlie rays of light, and as Ids conduct was altogether unlike that of a buna fide police otliccr’s would bo under similar circumstances the coal was refused, and information of the occurrence scut in to Palmerston. That was about 7 o’clock, which would give him half an hour in which to mako bis return appearance in Ferguson street. It seems very improbable, however, that tlie man who figured in the istoney Creek incident could have been Powelka. PUWELKA REPORTED, BUT NOT CAPTURED, VARIOUS RUMOURS, Palmerston had almost suspended Undue:* this morning lo discuss last night s untoward happenings. Croups ol men were congregated at every available corner, and conjectures, suggestions, criticisms, denunciations, and fears ad lib. were Hying round. But with them all .10.,.ep1i Powelka ii- still at large. Tlie police station lias been kept busy with anxious enquirers who litgve more regard (or tlie satisfaction of their own curiosity than the assistance they might reader those who are trying to find the missing man. A big crowd assembled round the station during lunch hour discussing matters and eliciting information, while one. or two of tho more facetious started rumours which soon came to the cars of some credulous beings and were handed on us the whole truth and nothing but the truth. From early morning there have been private citizens and u. number of policemen on tile search around tbo outskirts of the town, and every available nook and corner was peered into. It is now quite evident that Powelka did not waste any time after last night's occurrence. Immediately tho shooting occurred he must have made straight over the front fence and through Milverton’s paddock. When Mr Hampton rushed into Mr Stuckwell's house to inform .the police of the struggle there scorned to

he no one guarding the way out via Forgusun street, Th<' rumours coming JA later continued this conjecture, and would <eem that the fugitive has hren dodging about the outskirts of tho tovwi all morning.

A report was telephoned to the police from the Milk Pasteurising Factory at llokowhitu that Fowelka was seen to cross ilie paddock next Mr .J. B, Fas* cabs residence and go through the lagoon ami on towards Fitzherbert street. Tho police went round the paddock in A motor car, but saw no sign of anyone, and one or two enthusiastic civilians went through the paddock, but were also disappointed. Still another rumour had it that tho missing man was seen in the Esplanade at about the same time, while further reports came from Terrace End that ho bad been prowling about there. All these rumours produced nothing. Again a resident found a sus-picious-looking visitor near his house in Ferguson street East just before midday. A contingent of policemen and civilians beat tin' hedges and adjacent properties. but were again disappointed. In connection with yesterday’s proceedings a [ducky incident is reported about a very small boy. Ue is a son of Mr Arthur Perrin, and knew Fowelka, Ho sighted the man near Boundary road yesterday afternoon, and immediately got on to his tracks. Unfortunately for tho boy the lir*t person he met was unsympathetic ami refused to carry the news to the police station. Tho boy continued to follow his trail, and after getting as far as the Hour mill he lost sight of his man. He then reported personally to the police. All the public institutions of tho town are being watched, including tho racecourse, where Mr J. M. Johnston has placed a guard over the grandstand in view of the danger from tiro.

Major Dunk considers that the matter is now sullieient!y serious for the formation of a Vigilance Committee, composed of about 25 special constables who know the district thoroughly. Subsequently tho Mavor was seen oti the same matter and he states that he, has been in communication with t lie police authorities for some days concerning this matter, but it was not deemed advisable to take active Mops up till now, but the Mayor has arranged a further interview with tho police to-day. The great exilement ihat prevails in town in connection with the whole affair was fully demonstrated this morning. Shortly after noon a couple of prisoners were taken to the police station in acab. The report was soon spread that Fowelka bad been captured and an excited body of people soon made its way to Hie station full of the importance of their erroneous informal urn. liven when it became known that Fowelka was still at large the crowd waited for something else equally interesting to turn up. This afternoon it i* quite probable that a lorce 01. volunteei* will take up tlie f-eaieh under the local military Milters. i( is understood no detailed plan of action lias been decided upon, and in any case it would Ik* inadvisable to publish (hem. The Permanent Artillery men did not arrive by the midday train to-day. but it U quite probable (hey will be up by the Auckland express. In this connection Major Hunk o of opinion that a. >trong squad of local special constables would be much more ellective than partie* of permanent militia and constables unacquainted either with the town or it* immediate district. During the morning a parly, under tho leadership of Mr »S. Hunt, searched tho whole of the llokowhitu lagoons, working up towards Terrace End. but they also failed to discover any trace of Powelka,

Inspector Wilson arrived in Palmerston to-day and will ,-ee the search out. Inspector Ellison will also arrive from Wellington to-day to assist in the search operations. At 1.45 p.m. Sergt. Jlowden, Constables Woods and McLeod, accompanied by Adjt. Palmer. Troopers Jickell and Robert, proceeded to Hereford street, a report. having been received that ho was in that locality. POWELKA’S LUCK. Fortune seemed to favour Powelka in his Aslilmrst escapade. Every morning when Mrs Wilson and Mis Powelka. visited their house it was their custom to search tile place, and particularly to look under the bed. Hut on Saturday morning, wlien (he object of their search was actually in that hiding place, they found the lock had been tampered with. They called Mr Liunley to help them force the door open, and quite forgot to look into the bedroom. They removed their hats and went out to the yard to lix tile well-rope. Mrs Powelka heard a noise in the house, and thought it was the cat moving about. She asked her mother to go in and see what was the matter. She did so, and met her sou-in-law.

In tlie pocket of the coat left behind at Aslihnrst was found the piece of w ire with which Bowelka picked the lock of tile door.

Bowelka- is said to be a man of groat strength, and when working at the abattoirs lie was accustomed to lift a 3001 b side of beef and to handle two 901 b eureuses, erne in each hand, with case.

TO Til 1C MANII CNTFRS OF AS 11 HURST.”

Tim police found a, letter, signed by Bowelka, and written on a dirty scrap of paper, with a blunt, pencil or piece of lead, in a billy on the gatepost at Mr Craumuu’s place at Ashhur.st on Sunday morning. Bowelka complains in the letter that he is being blamed for tilings be did not do. He denies having set lire to “the two-storey house in Palmerston,” and goes on to say that he was in hiding within a few feet of Mr B. Hanlon, his brother-in-law, when the latter made a remark to a constable who was with him that ho (Powelka). had shot at hi* wife twice. Powelka demos having fired at Mrs Bowelka. The note was addressed to “the munhunters of Ashhurst.” IX A VERY CRITICAL CONDITION. Ur. Martin performed an operation on Sergeant Maguire at 11 o’clock last; night. Ho found that the bullet hud entered the right side of tho abdomen below the liver, and penetrated the bowels and stomach, severely injuring them. Owing to the size of the wounds tho condition of the unfortunate man was very bad when be arrived at the hospital, and the case was a desperate one from the start. The stomach was operated on and all tho wounds closed. Dr. Martin states that Sergeant Maguire’s case u almost identical with that of the late President McKinley. It will be remembered the President was shot while carrying out bis olliciul duties, and that ho died as a result of tho wounds. Ur. Marlin stales that the Sergeant’s condition is extremely critical. Mrs Maguire arrived by moßir car this morning with her father from Wellington alter a most exacting midnight ndu, occupying six hours, and on reaching this town proceeded to the Empire Hotel. Much sympathy is being expressed for Mrs Maguire in all parts of the town over tho extremely unfortunate occurrence. Tho Sergeant hud only arrived here on Friday. Ho was ordered to Ashhttrsfc on Saturday, and on Sunday night hud the misfortune to be shot down while pluckily executing his duty. On enquiry this afternoon wo learned thcrcy was no change in Sergeant Maguire’s condition.

A CIVILIAN SHOT.

BY A EEEEOW-SEARCHER.

Michael Quirke, brother of Detective Quirke, was shot by a fellow-searcher, in Ruahine Street last night. The unfortunate man’s skull was split open along the top and he was immediately conveyed to the Hospital, where he subsequently died. Brora later advice it appears that the affair was not altogether an accident. It seems that the shot was fired by Mr H. W. Overton, proprietor of the Princess Hotel, at Terrace End. He saw Quirke coming along in the dark, and challenged him, thinking he was Powelka. Quirke evidently thought the same thing of Overton, and drew on him with a revolver. It appeared to be a case of who could get in quickest, and Overton, who had a shot gun in his hands, proved that he was

both quick and accurate. Naturally Mr Overton is very much upset over the accident.

RFSIDKNTS “STUCK UP

Mr Alfred Richards, a Kelvin Grove resident, was “stuck up" by Fowelka last evening, about 7 o’clock, in Terrace Street. He was driving into town and when near the railway crossing was accosted by a man holding a revolver in each hand. Powelka got up into the trap and asked il there was any “tucker” in the vehicle. When getting into the trap he dropped the small revolver into his pocket, and covering Mr Richards with the other grasped him by the throat. Powelka alter satisfying himself there was no feed in the trap jumped out. Mr Richards described Powelka as looking very dishevelled. His lace was dirty, and he had a scar on the lorebead, with blood marks. He has a small moustache and whiskers of a lew days’ growth. Mr Richards asserts that the man has a very hunted look, with every appearance ol going out of his mind. He also had a distinct smell ot drink on him.

As soon as he got far enough away, Mr Richards called to some people he could see a bit further on, aud told them that Powelka was a little further along the street.

It was reported that Powelka entered the Rising Sun Cafe, adjoiug the Council Chambers, in the Square, but when the police arrived the man had disappeared. It is reported that Mr Fcybourue was stuck up by Powelka at Baldwin Avenue, near East aud Ferguson Streets.

POWEFKA AT BUNNY-

THORPE

ESCAPES INTO THE SCRUB

[By Telegraph —Special to Hkkai.d.]

Par.MKkston N., This Day,

Powclka is believe! to be making from Palmerston to Kimbolton where his people resided.

At between three and four o’clock this morning a man answering the description of Powelka was seen passing through the township of Bunnythorpe. He was challenged by the police but refused to stop when ordered to and a shot was fired over his head. The man then dropped the bag he was carrying and fled across the paddocks into some scrub. The bag dropped by the man was found to contain food. Half an hour later the meat safe of a settler residing in the vicinity was robbed, meat and other food being taken. The police are now scouring the country.

There is no change in Sergeant McGuire’s condition, no unfavourable symptoms having set