DESPERATE YOUTHS

Southland Times, Issue 20081, 19 January 1927, Page 6

DESPERATE YOUTHS

BREAKING CUSTODY

SENSATIONAL ESCAPE AT HAMILTON

ELOOR BOARDS OF CELL TORN UP

(Per United Frees Association.)

Hamilton, January 18

A sensational escape from custody was made early this morning by the two young men, George Huia Brev/er and George Curtis, who were in the lock-up at Hamilton police station on remand on charges of theft of a car.

Accused were before the court yesterday, and were due to appear again on Thursday. During the night a constable paid the usual, periodical visits to the cell, and' at 5 a.m. discovered that the two men were missing, while several floor boards, ripped from their fastening, and a heap of earth scooped from beneath, indicated the method of their escape. Even then the exit was very narrow, and it must have been difficult work worming their way through the small portion of weatherboarding which obstructed the passage. The cell is in a wooden building situated 10yds at the rear of the station. Brewer and Curtis, it will be remembered, were arrested at Frankton last Friday night on charges of the theft of an Essex car from Ohaupo. Brewer earlier escaped from custody when arrested at Te Awamutu on Thursday. Peterson, another Borstal boy, who was also charged yesterday with the theft of another car, was remanded to Auckland, and escorted there yesterday.

The country is being scoured by the police for the escapees. Brewer is sft lOin in height, has fair hair, and an open countenance. He was dressed in a light grey suit and glace patent shoes. Curtis is dark, with sharp features, and is sft Bin high. He was unshaven, and wore a dark grey tweed suit. Both are of good appearance, about twenty years old; and neither was wearing a hat.