Buckley Still Eludes Capture

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 369, 1 June 1928, Page 1

Buckley Still Eludes Capture

TRAIL OF ESCAPEE POLICE WORK IN RELAYS Birkenhead and the surrounding districts are in a state of excitement over the search for the escaped prisoner, John Buckley. The slightest suspicious movement is chronicled, and the police telephones are ringing constantly. Buckley lived at Birkdale some years ago, and was employed at the Chelsea Sugar Works, so that he would be acquainted with the countryside. Between 4 and 4.30 o’clock this morning Mr. A. A. Barrington, who works on the night-shift at the Sugar Works, noticed a man moving about the yard. He told his companions, and they investigated, calling to the intruder to stop. He started running, however, and disappeared over the coal heap into the darkness. Mr. Barrington said that he saw the man distinctly. He was wearing khaki trousers and an overcoat. STOLEN SOX Some pairs of sox were stolen from Mr. J. C. Yeoman’s residence on Wednesday night, and next morning the sleeves of a sweater were found nearby. It is thought that the intruder may have been Buckley and that he had been wearing the sleeves for sox. Yesterday afternoon, when Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, residents of Birkenhead, returned to their home they found that all the eggs had been taken from the fowlhouse. Hast night, soon after 10 o’clock, an attempt was made to break into McGovern’s store, which is on the main road facing part of the bush belonging to the Chelsea Sugar Works. Mr. McGovern had taken special precautions to lock his shop. He and his wife had retired, but soon after 10 o’clock Mrs. McGovern was wakened by the crash of breaking glass. She roused her husband, who found that two panes of glass had been broken. Inside, on the floor, was a piece of brick. A large case had been moved near the back porch window, and an imprint of a sandshoe was plainly visible. Mr. McGovern’s two sons, who were just returning home; immediately informed Constable Bishop. A search was made by the constable and the detectives, but no one was seen. It is thought that the attempt may have been made by Buckley to draw the searchers to this point while he made off in another direction. To-day a squad of detectives and warders is working through the bush from McGovern’s store to the Chelsea Sugar Works. THICKLY WOODED The country is very thickly wooded and covers several hundred acres, where there is excellent cover. It runs back from the main road to the waterfront, and is the catchment area for the water dams for the works. Detectives and warders were out all last night, and are now working in relays from the city. It is thought that Buckley could not have left the district, and that he may be run to earth to-night. There is very little chance of his being able to break into any residence or store, and hunger will in time compel him to give himself up.