MATTHEWS RECAPTURED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2313, 9 August 1921, Page 3

MATTHEWS RECAPTURED.

ON THE BEACH AT .OAMARU.

Dunedin, Aug. 7

Reginald Matthews, the Timaru murderer, who escaped from the Seacliff Mental Hospital early on Friday morning, was re-captured between six and seven o’clock this morning. He was first seen by two fishermen on the rocks near the town at Oamaru. One of the fishermen was accompanied by his wife, and it was she who first recognised the escapee. She gave a start and screamed. By this time a party of police from Dunedin and elsewhere were closing in on Oamaru, having heard that Matthews had boarded a goods train at Hampden at. one o’clock in the morning, having dropped on to a wagon from an overhanging tree, and got off at Oamaru. When he saw that he was recognised, he started to run along the beach, and was chased and caught by Constable Aitcheson,' who was assisted by the two fishermen. He offered no resistance. He was handcuffed and taken to the police station at Oamaru, and returned to Seacliff under escort to-day.

It appears that he went on board the Home liner Kaiapoi, which is lying at the Oamaru wharf, but when he found that she was calling at Lyttelton, lie went ashore again, and was given a loaf of bread, a quarter of a pound of tea, and two pounds of sugar. He was not armed when arrested.

Once in custody, Matthews ventured the remark: “I wish I had a gun, I would have shot some of

you.” He was clothed in four singlets and dark trousers and boxing hoots, and was a conspicuous figure, and easily recognisable.

Matthews was surprised at the police reaching Oamaru so quickly. He said that had he suspected their presence they would, not have got him so easily. Matthews stated that be had intended to gel to Canterbury at night by way 01. Waitaki I,ridge. “If I had got to Timaru," lu said, “you would • never have taken me.” From Ibis statement it appears that he expected assistance I here. Matthews states that he threw away the knife lie used on the floor, and also used a delicate saw which lie made from a watch spring fitted to a pen holder. Tie considers lie should have a new trial.

This was t'he second occasion upon which Matthews had escaped from custody. On August 2'uh, 101‘), he was sentenced to nine

hionllis’ imprisonment for committing an indecent act in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Less than three weeks later lie escaped from Lyttelton Gaol. He obtained two hammock ropes and two blankets, knotted them together, and threw them on to some spike- on top of an 18ft. wall. He managed to hoist himself to the top, and then used the improvised rope to descend on the other side. A l"g helped him to get away on the bills, ire was at large until be was arrested for the Timaru murder.