CAUGHT IN RANGES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3479, 6 May 1920, Page 5

CAUGHT IN RANGES.

SENSATIONAL ARRESTS MADE. A smart arrest, carried out in the ranges behind Takapau, was that of two brothers, Archibald Hillson Bergenson and Henry Frederick Bergenson, who had lbeen wanted by the military authorities since 1917. « The warrant for the former was issuedon July 12th, 1917, on the grounds that he failed to report for medical examination,land for the latter on‘ October 18th, for failing to enter camp. Since 1917‘ there have’ been several attempts to arrest the men, who were known to be in the ranges, but no success was met with. "About "two weeks ago H. ‘S. Bergenson was arrested in’ Woodville and handed over to the militaryauthorities, who were not able to holduhim, and he disap~ peared from the train while going through the gorge on the way to Palmerston North. On Wednesday a. force despatched from Napier left Takapau by car. In view of there being a likelihood of resistance the force was armed. The car took them to within five miles ‘of the whare, and the party walked the remaining dis~ tan'_ce'. As soon as there was sufii~ cienth light to distinguish moving ob jects the party approached the whare and were scented by the dogs. The building was then rushed and picketed. There was no movement for about five minutes, znd Constable Owen, who knew the men, then called upon them to surrender. There was no response for some time, but a voice recognised as that of Frederick Bergenson finally said "all right.” Constable Owen then called on his man to surrender He opened the door a few inches, upon which Sergeant Cox covered him with a. revolver and instructed him to put his hands up. He did so, and then came out of the hut and was handcuffed. Constables Elston and Reyel entered the hut and arrested Archibald Bergenson in the bedroom. The ‘contents: of the hut included a s-hot-gun, a Snider rifle, a repeating rifle and" a ‘pea—rifle. with ammunition for all. i

Afifer the arrest the men stated that they had been driven into the hut by the cold, which prevented them from ,living in the bush. If'they had not -had to go ixito the but they would 'neVel‘ have been cauglit.