EXCITING RACE

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 280, 21 August 1915, Page 2

EXCITING RACE

MOIOKCAit VERcRjo HORSE

ESCAPED PRISONER RE-TAKEN. FPCUTIVE’S DASH FOR LIBERTY. An habitual criminal, a man named Joint Henry Heath, who escaped from Pete Aira Prison Camp in the Ranrimu dtsirict on August 17th, was recaptured by Cnotsables Wilson and Doyle, cf the local police force, yesterday afternoon, under exciting circumstances.

AYord was received that a man, resembling the escapee, and riding a horse, had previously been seen about 30 miles from Wanganui. The two constables procured a motor-car, and set out in that direction. At a bend on the main road> about 18 miles from town, they met the escapee, who, evidently scenting danger, dashed past the cor at full gallop. There was some delay before the car could be turned round, and by that time the fugitive had mad e the best use of his flying start to get a good lead. The car was gradually worked up to a speed inconsistent with County by-laws,and the chase commenced. As the car swung round the various bends fleeting glimpses cf the fugitive, who was

lying low ui the neck cf the horse with liis coat-tails fluttering in the win;!, v,er e discerned. Gradually, however, tli 3 long arm of the law, metaphroicaliy speaking, stretched out,with the result that after a three miles’ race the fugitive realised that he was being overhauled. At a sharp bend he made his final bid for liberty. Jumping from the horse he dashed into the bush at the roadsides. By this time the car was close up. The two constables jumped 'out, and following quickly secured tbelr quarry without resistance. He was then brought buck to Wanganui.

It has been ascertained that Hie suit tin- prisoner was wearing was stolen from the houses of Messrs Harris Bros., rt Kar'oi. while the - horse had be n taken from the Hen-pita district. The re-captured prisoner will appear at the Magistrate’s Court this morning. when charges rf theft and escaping from legal' custody will be preW"od r.gainst him.