POWELKA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 828, 19 April 1910, Page 2

POWELKA.

CAPTURED AT LAST. SECURED WITHOUT BLOODSHED. TWO REVOLVERS IX lIIS POSSESSION. STATION SAFE DYNAMITED. OOOD WORK BY ARRESTING CONSTABLES. despoil Powelka. has been captured, and so ends a. fortnight of concent rated excitement.. probably .never before equalled in the history of this district. Just two weeks ago to the day tho accustomed calm of this community was milled by the report ot an audacious robbery under arms. Then there followed a night long to bo remembered by those who passed through it, when three disastrous lires followed one another in quick succession. Still more tires came with the week end, anil sandwiched between them werii numerous incidents of petty thefts, all tending to produce a feeling of insecurity in tho town. Tho second week was ushered in with tho sad double tragedy, which cost the community two lives. While these things were occurring Ihe search for Joseph Powelka. was ac(ively continued. lie had all through evaded his pursuers like a will-o’-the-wisp, and when the excitement had cleared somewhat at the beginning of the week his wherealxmts was still as much a mystery as ever. - After having been disturbed at Bumiythorpy in the early hours of Tuesday morning Joseph Powelka disappeared entirely from view, and no more was heard id anything eharaeteri.-t ic of him till Saturday brought news of a robbery at Longburn, This again gave evidence of bis w ill-o’-the-w isp tendencies, for from all accounts he was at that moment being diligently sought for in the Kimbolton district. The police, however, were active in tho new quarter, and Tokomaru and thereabouts was diligently searched. To tho public nothing was revealed till the news spread so rapidly that early yesterday morning Joseph Powelka had been captured in a hayloft at Ashlmrst. lie had been disturbed in the Longburu district, had taken a rapid routo right through Palmerston, and had again commenced operations in Ashlmrst, when ho was arrested and brought into town.

Although the police cmlea voured to keep tho capture quiet, in order to prevent any demonstration, tin- newt, leaked out and spread with great rapidity. By nine o’clock a crowd had collected at tho polieo station, and all the; way up Main street littlo knots of people stood awaiting the arrival of the motor car, which had gone out to bring the captive again to custody. Powelka. is now safely housed in Wellington gaol, having been taken down by this morning's train. TilK .STORY OP 111 S ARREST PLUCKY CONSTABLES. Tho names of two constables —“Jim”Thompson, of Wanganui, and John Gailagher, of Wellington • have been telegraphed throughout tho length and breadth of Now Zealand to-day as tho two men who pluokily made the actual capture of Powelka, and there is po doubt that great credit is duo to theni for the manner in which they carried out their tusk, for there was every probability, as will he seen in the narrative t<> follow, that either, or both, would have lost their lives in tho undertaking. It is, however, a matter for congratula-**-lion that the two constables secured mau without tho firing of a shot and injury to anyone. It was also lifting that Constable Gallagher should participate in the capture, as ho was the oilier who placed Powelka in tho cell in Wellington which hail a defective lock, enabling the prisoner to make his escape, and no one was more gratified than Constable Gallagher at the result of yesterday morning’s operations at Ashlmrst. Both Constable Thompson and Constable Gallagher had some knowledge of tho Aslihurst district, as they had boon searching there tor Powelka earlier in tho month. It was on Monday, April 4, that Constable Thompson was ordered to leave Wanganui to take part in the search for the escapee, and ho came direct to Palmerston, lie remained here until tho 6th of tho month, proceeding to Ashhurat by the evening train. Constable Gallagher was at Aslihurst searching from the evening of the 10th until, the 13th, when lie returned to Palmerston. Subsequently ho was despatched to Redding, and was working towards Hunterville and Mangaweka, when ho received instructions to return immediately to Palmerston, lie arrived in this town on Friday last On Saturday evening Constable Gallagher was ordered to .ishhurst with Probationer Gallery, and, both men going out by tho evening train, joined Constables Watts, Thompson and ,Sylvester, and a plan oi operations was immediately formed by Constable Watts, there being a strong tooling in tho minds of some members of the lorce and Ashhurst residents that Powelka would make his appearance there during tho night. PLAN UP OPERATIONS. The disposition of the force in and around tho township on Saturday night was as lollows: —Constable Thompson was instructed to watch the residence of Mrs Wilson, Powelka's mother-in-law, as mo escapee had previously appeared there. Probationer Gallery anil Constable Gallagher were stationed near Mr Scott's paddock, and Constables Watts and Lyivester patrolled the town. In taking up a position near Scott’s Constable Gallagher was intormod by Constable Watts that if Powelka came into Aslihurst it would be by that route, and Gallagher and Gallery were therefore instructed to hide under a macrocarpa hedge, so that Powouia, if ho came, would have no suspicion of their whereabouts.

AH through tho night the mon watched carefully, and towards 4 a.m. yesterday an mcnlont occurred which led them to believe that they were on the track of the fugitive, i’robationcr Calicry saw m the distance the ULiXhdiX i'j OF A MAN

walking in file direction of tjiddell’s Hotel. Tim man was on tho south side of tlie road, and there was, at that stage, nothing unusual in his movements. He was walking quietly, but it was impossible to gain any idea who he was, as a storm was raging, the heavy rain almost obscuring his form. The officers approached him quickly, calling on him to slop, hut tho man bolted. A SHOT WAS FIKED AT HIM

by Callery, but it was inclfoctivo. Tho two ollicers heard tiie man climb over a fence into tho Church of .England grounds, but a careful search in that locality failed to discover him, neither did tho constables hear him move olf, despite the fact that they were both on the windward side of tho place where lie suddenly disappeared, and there was not the slightest sound to guide them as to the direction the man had bolted. A diligent search, however, resulted in tho discovery of some bottles of stout and some biscuits, and there was then no doubt in the minds of tho constable aud probationer that the man they had pursued was Fowelka. Tho incident was reported by Constable Gallagher to Constable Watts. Tho latter immediately sent for Constable Thompson, who was stationed at Mrs Wilson's residence, aud it was decided that tho members of tire, Force should commence searching. iu/»body. About 6.30 the party visited Mr Scott’s place (situated about SOU yards from Siddell’s Hotel), this being the locality where the man had been seen at 4 a.m. The cowshed was inspected by Constables Watts and Thompson, and tho latter went through the hay left, but there was no trace or sign of tho fugitive. From Scott’s tho party (who were joined by civilians, Messrs Boyce and Sheridan) proceeded to Mr Currie’s homestead, about live chains away, aud it was here that THE CAL'XU HE WAS EFFECTED.

Thu constables, ao at Scott’s, devoted their altuntioii to tliu cowshed and bay loft. The loft at Gurrio’e is built on the plan of the ordinary stable loft, extending both sides of the building, and is divided into two sections. Constable Thompson was ms true ted to search the loft on the loft sido, while Constable Gallagher took lho right, the others remaining below. Constable Thompson's investigations being fruitless he called out to Gallagher “Do you sec anything V The latter, lindiug the light very bad, hud struck a match to assist him in his operations and he immediately noticed a MAN LYING TULL LENGTH IN THE HAl'

at the sido of the wall. A second glance showed that the man had a revolver in his hand, which was resting against bis knee. The constable remained yerfectly

tool, and as tiio man did not stir Galhigher walkod a, few feet further ahnig !l»; loft, and while in the att of doing so heard the (juration put to him lo Thompson. Gallagher immediately re [died: “There is nothing here, hoys, and no -sign of anybody having been here. The light was extinguished and Gallagher at once left, the loft and joined the party below, to whom he announced his discovery.

A conference was then held as to the host means of securing the man’s arrest, A civilian IMr ilryeej was despatched for an acetylene gas lamp, and on his return it was decided that Probationer Gallery and the other civilian (Mr Sheridan) should remain below the loft, one at each end of tin* building; t'onsfables Wat.ts and Sylvester took one and ol the loft and ('oustaides Thompson anil Gallagher the other, all being armed. ('onstable Thompson, who held the lamp, was slightly in advance, of ('onstalde Gal higher, and immediately they SAW THEIR MAN THEY RUSHED HIM, the latter at the same lime turning on Ids side and pointing Ids revolver at the constables. Constable Thompson dropped his Limp and revolver and seized the weapon in the man’.-, hand, while ( onstable Gallagher speedily liandenU'eii him. A scrutiny jevealeii lUr* fact that t lie man arre.-ted was Rowelka, lor v. hem the Government had offered a reward ol iJ 100, and who had given the police one of tho must exciting chases recorded in tho history of the New- Zealand police force.

Powelka (struggled a good deal while being handcuffed, and the police officers discovered that the M atemeui.s ol hi> great strength were by no means exaggerated, as he is more than a match lor tho average man. By giving Powelka’s hand a sharp wrench Const a hie Thompson Keen red possession of the revolver easier than was anticipated. While being handcuffed idwelka. made no remark, merely grunting in his (struggles to escape, but after Ins removal from the loft he, called the con stables curs.

Un the .way to the Atddmr>t cell Idwelka. made a big ellort to get. away from the police, and he- aNo endeavoured to throw himself from tin* motor ear which was conveying him to Palmerston t-uhsequeubly, but he was held without difliculty. ’jle was brought to Palmerston in Colonel Pringle's ear, which was sent out [or him. those who accompanied him to town being Sergl. Dart (Welling ton). ( oust able-. Ponsler, Thompson and Gallagher. A NOT! IKK ACCOI 'NT OP TDK APUKST. THIS KPTCHN TO PA DM KPS'TUN. Among those who have been taking a. particularly ae|j\e part in the pursuit of tile fugitive is Detective Cassells, ot Wellington, who, it may be remembered, accompanied tin* Premier on his late trip to the Old Country. This precaution was taken in view of the threats that had been made against the Premier by a person now at Home. It was generally thought as soon as tin* well known detective entered the lists that all idwelka’s knowledge ol (Ik* country would be required to shake oil tin' at tentious of the officer. despite the lad that the country P> he searched was terra, incognita to him, whilst it was t lie reverse to tin* fugitive, who, Hie police officers inn-, has an intimate Knowledge of the itiMriet within a ratlins of sixty miles. When Detective Cassells arrived it Hying squadron was formed, (lie number consisting oi tin* detective and Constables Meivor, Tanner, Dunn. Gallagher, Cummings. .Sylvester, and Thompson. They have been operating over tho stretch of country around Palmerston, Ashhurst. Knubulluii, and Bunny thorpe. It was while carrying out this .stringent search that the party arrived in tho vicinity of Ashhurst on Friday night. TUP THPPT AT LUNGBCKN.

Ar a lesult of the t lift I from a. shop at Longburn mi Tiiday night, and a well established belief that it was an

other Roweika- escapade. Detective (’as sells and Constable Alel'or came in from AbJihurst and proceeded to Long burn on {Saturday night. It was line h Uus fact that- the detective and his com panion wore not in at the linal seem, on .Sunday morning. Tho other member.' ot the squadron were, however, let I ii Ashhurst, ami upon them tell tile dis t metum of once again terminating th< liberty of tho noted escapee. TDK ASHHI'UST KACUI’NTKK.

I'i'ulii uu excellent source »r barn licit it was at about 4 o'clock yesterday morn dig, inky darkness prevailing at the lime, licit Constable luillagher, <>l Wei lingtou, a prohat inner naineil Cattery, also I min Wellington, were on ilmy in one ul I lie side si reels at Asliimrsl. tine uiau was on one side ol the streel, wlneh was opposite tile elmreh, and Ins eoinpaniun ini the oilier. I'.aeh was keeping a ea refill watch. As it w as MispecieU 1 hat the fugitive was in the neignlionr hood, Constable Cudhigher was not altogether surprised when he saw a man cross over one of the side mads running oil the main streel. tin liagher allraeled the ulleiilion ul his male, and they bold billowed I he- suspect, and at the same time ealled upon him to slop. The in vilation was not. accepted. Iml on I lie contrary the police heard llieir quarry jump tiie fence and (jet into an adjoining pandock, his prog less no doubt being Hastened by a silol limit over Ids head hy Probationer Caliery when lie retnsed to slaml. Tile police followed into the paddock, but lost sight of their man in the darn. However, in their search for the trail they came upon three unopened bottles of stout, and I ms continued them in their suspicion ol the identity ol their man. One of them then went hack to the township, and the services of Thompson, who had the chase atler PovvelUa at i'ahialua, W alts, and Slyvester were obtained, and they all returned to tile scene. As soon as it was ligtn enough the search was resumed. tile member j of Ulc parly covering a wide expanse’in their operation-. It tell tc (Jallaglier's lot to approach and look over a big cowshctl wmi a loft in winch was a lot of hay. It seemed a likelylooting place, and striking a, match the constant* ascended to the 1011. Almost Id.- lirsi glance around showed hint the figure of a. man lying between the side ol the building and the hay. It also 'showed him the thill gleam of a revolver held in a hand lhal was -Iretched oul full length beside the apparently sleeping ligurc. A bottle of stout beside the figure was another detail that did not escape the quick eye of the constable. lie was alone, and with admirable sang front lie completed an apparently casual survey ol the shed, 'then he descended one. ol the ladders that gave access to the loti, at the same tune calling oul in an audible voice. "He's not here. ' The ruse was (pule successful. The ligure did not make the slihglest move, anil CSallaghcr rejoined his companions. With them no tune was lost m telling lhal their quarry was at last run to earth. A lamp was speedily procured. I lie place being care inlly watched in I he ' meant ime. When the light was ready Llallughcr and Thompson, the latter carrying ihc light, went up tin* loft at one end ol I he shed and the other two constables I lie other end, IJie probationer being tell on the ground U> watch. The ligure was still tv mg amongst llie hay, and when Lialhigher and Thompson got close enough each made a due at him. Then* was a brief struggle, one, however, linn quite surprised Uu* constables, roving I" tiie great slicnglh displayed by I owelka. vvlioso lace had been seen when the light was turned upon him just prior to the constables springing upon him. ffc was speedily luindcullcd. u-uling all the time, however, and was i scorled to Ash hurst police station. AT THE TULICE STATION. Ou arrival there i'owelka was searched. A couple ol revolvcis were found upon him, oho loaded in six chambers, llie other with Inc chambers and loaded ill four. The other chamber was empty, and had either not been loaded or a discharged shell ejected. One of the revolvers was a 32 and the other a 3W llarrnn'ton. They were handsome little weapon's, ami had evidently been stolen lately, since each was quite new. ft ibelieved they were obtained m Wellington. The Uve-ehaiubered revolver was the heavier piece ol the two, and a seriituiv ol it- barrel showed that it had been discharged, powder adhering all along Uu* inionor ot U»* banvl U> Uic jjiu/zK’. ~ T TIE EL OUTVE b OL ii li. Ammunition for both revolvers was found upon I’owelka, together with eight detonators, three of which showed signs of an attempt- to explode ‘hem, several pennies, 8 threepenny piece*, lour pieces if candle of dilterent- Ifngtns seven boxes of matches, a new but soiled shirt beaii„.r Millar and (Jiorgi’s name upon U, a photo of his wife and molher-iu-law, one sock, the fellow of ouo ho was wearing at, the time ol capture, a emoel, some

note paper, and a copy of Saturday night’s “Manawatu Standard.” There were also a. coulde of postal notes, one issued by the .New South Wales Government lor Is and the other by the New Zealand Government for 2s. also IB penny stamps, the hitler stuck on to the latter 1 post a I note. Till'i RETURN TO TOWN.

On arrival at the .Ashhurst police, station Palmerston had been communicated with, and without loss of time a. motor car was despatched to the township. On the way to Palmerston the escapee made a doeperato attempt to get away again, endeavouring to llmg himself out of the car, but his designs were frustrated, ami Powelka ultimately safely lodged in the lock tip. .STATEMENTS TO THE ROUGE. While, at Ashhurst he made one or two important etatements to the police, which it is net advisable to publish at the present stale of ali'airs, but which will doubt less liave an important bearing upon future proceedings. Jfe also repeatedly asked the cotislalili's to shoot him, a request, they naturally declined to comply with. ARRIVAL IN PALMERSTON.

Thun* w:ih a big crowd waiting to reccivu him at th< Palmerston police station, news ol hN capture having speedily travelled. Tim majority of those who *a w him arrive won; M.ruek with the evident health and condition of tho C-s----ea pee, who walked, however, with a shuffle, and had feigned drunkenness a* eioon as overpowered. It is not thought, however, that ho was under tho inllnence of the. stout he had heeti drinking. On arrival here ho was stripped, given some hoi. coffee and any amount, ol blankets. Once in durance vile he collapsed, doubt - levs due to tin.' strain ami exertions of the past week, and wept for sonic time. A constable- was placed in the cell with him and another kept watch outride. and these precautions will he maintained the whole time till the elusive prisoner is safe under stronger locks than are ohlainable in X'ahner.-Pm North.

.SCUMS OP THIS AKKiSST

A SINISTKU TUBPAT

A.-* may he imagined, there was much excitement at Ashhurst when it was kimw n that Powelka had again been taken into custody. The township waeaily a.■stir, and there was not a little satisfaction when it was known that Constable Watts, the local officer, had taken a* prominent part in the opera lions that ended in the escapee's cap line. Constable Walls had charge <■! the nii'ii in tlie township. The scene oi Sunday mornings, happenings i> enclosed by the Jhmnythorpe road and Winchester M reel. running at right agles to (lie road. ]| wim m W inches! er street where ConMahle Gallagher and Probationer Cal lery were posted under a mr.cmearpa hedge, fronting Mr Scott’s property. It wa- here that Powelka was seen crossing the street from the direction ol Scott’s paddock and going towards Hanlon's paddock, which is alongside the Church of Kngland, Prom here he seems to have gone into the yard attached to Mrs McMnllm s house, as lie dropped a quantity of biscuits and a bottle ot stout between the yard and Hanlon's fence*. Two bottles of stout were also dropped outside ihe paddock in tlie road. Alter thus losing his cargo Powelka appears to have doubled back to Scott’s paddock, ami thence to Mr D. Currie's pro peris adjoining. If he was engaged in currying the stout fiom tlie railway station to his retreat in Mr Currie's died he must, have made a lengthy detour, as there N a more direct mute from (he station to the shed which would have .shortened the journey. As it in voiced crossing the Bunny lliorpe road, however, he may have decided to avoid observation by taking a more circuitous path. He must have previously made a journey from the station Lo the shell, as there were four bottles, one empty, with him in the hay.

Dy some it is believed that when seen he was on his way to Mr Hanlon’s house to carry out his sinister threat of blowing it up. That is scarcely likely, however, in view of the load In* was rarrying.

The shed where Roweika was louml is a large w eat her-boa rd structure will i eleven bails on either side. Down the middle, from end to end, runs a wide passage which can he entered from either side. The hails are ranged on the right and left hands, and over them are lolls, each quite separate from the ot her.

Constables Thompson aml (• a Hag her climbed up to the loft by means ul a cart that was standing in the passage. Constables Watts and Sylvester endeavoured to climb up into the loft at their end, but had also to make use of the cart. They were close on their comrades’ heels, and were on the seem* before the handcuffing svas complete. So little noise was made, and the arrest was effected so quietly, that Mr Currie's household, about two chains distant, was not disturbed, and knew nothing of the incident until later in tlie morning.

ASHHCRST RAILWAY STATION

DIxUK KN INTO IN THK NIGHT

The burglary at the Ashhurst railway station was discovered by Mr -Bryce, who is u member of tin* railway stall. He was with the party of police when the consultation was held in the cowshed. and went away post haste to the station to get an acetylene cycle lamp. When he came back be reported that the goods shed and station had been entered.

A pane of glass hud been broken in a window id tne station, and thus entry was gained. An attempt- was made to blow open the sate, but it failed, ami the till at the ticket window was kneed open, and the contents, consisting ot some small clginge ami two postal notes, taken.

The Jock on the door of the goods shed was wrenched oil, and inside a ease of stout, consigned to Mr Siddells. an Ashhurst hotelkeeper, was opened. It was from this source that Roweika evidently obtained his stock ol liquor which he dropped so promiscuously about.

POWELKA’S APPEARANCE.

NVKT THROUGH

I.\ HUGH URARTU OUT WORN OUT

When lie was arrested Roweika was wearing two overcoats, one an oilskin worn over a three qua rter length coal, then an ordinary suit of clothes with shirt and underwear, but only one sock. The other was in ins pocket. lie was absolutely wei through, and despite his i roll look and apparent health the police state lie was lainy worn unit with the persistence of the hue and cry that was kept up. a rouli only [o be expected.

I hough there have never been any definite grounds lor the supposition the popular idea with regard to the personal appeaianee ol .Roweika has been a gaunt, unhealthy looking individual, unkempt and generallv bedraggled from his mree weeks’ experiences in evading ariTf-a. It was, therefore, almost with a. gasp oi surprise that spectators ul his arrival at the police station \esteiday niuiiinm .-av* him neatu attired. ativao\ described, Ih> hair by no means unkempt, but pieseiuing the appearance

id uany auciuiun. clean slutted, with the exception ol a small moustache. In-■-le.nl aNo 111 looking ill. he "as in the hed ol condition arm health, the arresting constables in then search ut him suo.-eipienlly oenig gieally struck with the muscular development and condition ol the man. it "as quite apparent that me open air treatment m mis instance had had a most bcueiicud died. TTU-: ITTSIJ.XKK'S I iKMK.VNULTI. During the whole ol the day ho stood looking on I of Hie small aperture in his ceil door, lie "as induced on two occasions to lie down, but in a few moments; lie was back again at the door looking out of the hole. J* is thought that the necessity of being constantly ou the qui vue has tor the tune being completely robbed the pri'oner ol any desire to sleep and that his nerves arc completely shattered by his experiences during the past three w’eek'. but more particularly during ihe last eight or nine days. STATEMENTS TV TOW-ELK A. Towelka indulged in scleral short conversations yesterday after arrival ul the station. Chi one occasion he said he was a! Tokonnmi on Saturday, but he til l not detail anythin.g of Ills route between there and Palmerston. During tlie afternoon he called the gaoler to his cell and said : “The only thing I am sorry about is that I did not shoot Archie Mcßae. 1 went to Shannon after hinq and when I .was

there 1 heard he was in Palmerston, and 1 came here after him. If ever I get out again 1 will shoot him. The prisoner blames a man whom he calls “Mcßae" for all his tumbles, lie alleges that “Mcßae” sold him the furniture* removed from (lie house in Ghltrch street by pri.-oner. but it is understood the police attach little value to the statement.

During the afternoon the prisoner was visited hv Dr. O’Jirien. Powelka was in a ,erv nervous state, and with the idea of settling Ids nerves a hit the doctor .-aid lie would give him a sleeping draught. Rowelka asked that jioison should be given to him instead, “something that will end all my troubles.”

CHARGE OF MURDER.

MAD K AGAINST POW’KBKA

Powelka was aroused by Detective Passells yesterday of having murdered Sergeant' Maguire. The charge of murder will be laid against Powelka, and he will he brought before the Court in due course. When accused of the murder Powelka made no statement. COUNSKB HKTAINKD. Mr 11. G. Moore lias been engaged to defend Powelka when he comes before the (dun. Yesterday counsel had an interview w ith the prisoner, and when he (old him that if was possible he would have to meet* a charge of murder, Powelka vigorously protested that he knew nothing about the occurrence.

HKMANDKD TO PABMKKM’ON

\VISLINGTON, April 18,

Powelka, bandculfcd on either side to Constable Gallagher and Prohat ioner Cal leev. appeared at the Magistrate’s Court to-day on one of the charges oi breaking and entering and ihefl at Palmerston. The alleged oifence is connected with the theft of a butcher's steel, valued at 10.-. from Ihe shop of Arthur Dixon in August last. The prisoner was remanded to appear in Palmerston on April 2b.