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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 241, 23 January 1875, Page 2

We learn that the capture of Bobken, a run-a-way sailor from the Queen Bee, was likely to be attended with rather serious results owing to a certain amount of resistance offered to the police by Bobken’s friends. It appears, according to the statement of the constables, Joyce and King, engaged in the matter, that a demonstration was made by about a dozen or fifteen men, —who seemed determined not to let their mate go easily,-—which required great tact and patience, as well as snow of authority to prevent bursting into open violence. 'The constables, however, put a bold front on the matter, and, fearing lest some of the more demonstrative might commence hostilities, drew their revolvers and so kept the obstructives at bay and, probably, in awe. Under cover of these weapons they saw to the preparation of their prisoner for the march to town, who, with the other occupants, had been roused from his midnight slumbers by an unceremonious demand for admittance. We are authorised to state that the prisoner, himself, made no active resistance, and that there was no necessity for the use, or even show, of fire arms, beyond what we have stated above. Constable Joyce left on Thursday in the Rangatira with Bobken in charge, but we hear that an information is to be laid against the ringleaders on his return. In connection with this business we have heard a very disagreeable report, which, if true, would seem to reflect seriously on the disinterested activity of the police authorities. It appears that a warrant has been issued for some considerable time for Bobken’s apprehension, and it is stated that his whereabouts have long been known to many persons in the district; but it is somewhat remarkable that no step should be taken, with a view to his capture until a reward of £5 was offered for that purpose by Captain Burch, the offer of a reward being made in such a way that it could only have been known to the police. We publish the statement as it came to us, without making any comment upon it, except to say that if the reward was the motive power of the police in bringing Borken to justice, it decidedly ought not to be paid.