AN EXCITING ARREST.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2456, 1 February 1881, Page 4

AN EXCITING ARREST.

(Auckland “Star,” Jan. 21.)

Several weeks ago, Mr W. Thorne applied to His Honor Mr Justice Gillies for a warrant for the arrest of an in solvent contractor named John Purcell, who recently took up and afterwards abandoned a contract from the Harbor Board to erect a new tee to the Queen street wharf. The application was made on behalf of some of the creditors, and as there were reasons for believing that Purcell was contemplating a sudden departure for “ fresh woods and pastures new,” it was granted without hesitation. The instrument was at once placed in the hands of the detectives for execution, and, as the quarry had received no warning of the intended action, it was confidently expected that he would be run to earth without delay. For a time the search was in rain. Purcell was actually in the Cottage of Content shouting for a number of companions while a detective, in complete ignorance of his whereabouts, but with a keen desire to know, was standing on the footpath outside. Yesterday it became known that Purcell was in town, and last night Detective Jeffrey was told off to make the arrest. The officer went circumspectly to work, and therefore succeeded in surprising Purcell at home. The man was, however, not yet captured, suddenly dashing past the astonished Jeffrey,the prisoner who is a little active young man, set off down the street in the direction of the reclamation at the top of his speed. The portly, but determined minion of the law followed very close behind, and by the use of a little strategy succeeded in directing the fight of the fugitive towards the wharf upon which the latter entered with unslackened pace. He ran right to the end, and then finding himself hedged in, stopped short. Jeffrey came on with a capital spurt, chuckling to find the prey euchred. Just as he came near him, however, Purcell espied a boat attached to the wharf and boldly jumped into it. Taking up an oar he nervously shoved off quite oblivious to the fact that the painter was made fast to the wharf. Before he could repair the mistake, Jeffroy had arrived, and taking in the situation at a glance he, expertly swung himself by means of the rope into the boat where a sharp tussle at once ensued between the two men, Jeffrey attempting to bind his prisoner, Purcell resisting might and main. Size and weight soon asserted themselves in the unequal strife, and consequently the officer proved victorious. It was expected that some money would be found in the debtor’s possession, but a diligent search failed to reveal anything of value. Some time afterwards, however, the man admitted that he had hurriedly secreted his pocket-book in the boat, and upon a further examination being made it was duly discovered. It contained £sl