POWELKA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 834, 3 May 1910, Page 3

POWELKA.

Joseph John Powelka was again brought before Mr A. D. Thomson, S.M., at Palmerston North yesterday to answer the more serious charges against him. The first charge was that on the 2nd April at Awapuni, being armed at the tune with an offensive weapon, to wit a revolver, did commit robbery by stealing, accompanied by threats of violence, one shilling from one, John Kendall. Evidence for the prosecution was given by John Kendall, Mrs Kendall, John Cook, Detective Cassells and Constable Gallagher and the accused pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court at Palmerston North.

Accused was next charged with breaking and entering the butcher’s shop of James Francis, at Longburn, on April 15 and stealing therefrom six pounds of rump steak, five pounds of German sausage and a son’-wester hat, the property of John Francis. . After hearing the evidence accused said he had nothing to say and was committed for trial. Accused was also committed for trial on a charge ot breaking and entering the store of Charles Perry, of Longburn, and also breaking and entering the Ashhurst railway station and stealing postal notes and stamps. The charge of burning the Palmerston High School and Millar and Gioigi’s premises was next heard, and Powelka who reserved his defence was committed for trial. He said “ I don’t wish to say anything.”

Accused was then remanded till ii a.m. on Friday next, when the charge of murder will be preferred against him.