HIGHWAY ROBBERY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 355, 5 April 1910, Page 5

HIGHWAY ROBBERY.

POWELKA ON THE WARPATH. A COUPLE'S EXCiTINU EXPERIENCE By Telegrapa.—Presw Association Palmerston Xorth, Monday.

Mrs. and -Mrs. J. Kendall, occupants of a cottage at Awapuni, when returning home oil Saturday from town, noticed a bag just outsiue their gate. Investigations showed that it contained several comestibles, which they recognised as previously forming part of their larder. They went into the house, and there a, startling state of ail'airs was revealed. The whole house was in complete disorder, and it was quite apparent that it had been searched for money. Boxes had been thrown open and the contents strewn about the place. The intruder also evidently brought with him a most healthy appetite. The dairy had been visited, ana, with the help of cream and milk found there, a loaf of bread, cake, and other eatables had been demolished. Mr. and Mrs. Kendall returned to the road to pursue their investigations, and whilst at the gate Kendall saw a man approaching along the road, and at once ■recognised him as Powelka. When the latter saw Kendall lie presented a revolver and asked for money. Kendall said he had not any money, and the man with the gun pointed out in forcible terms that he was not playing. The robber was picturesquely masked with a piece of torn blouse belonging to Mrs. Kendall, whilst a handkerchief was tied over the lower part of his face.

Powelka tolil Kendall not to labor under the misapprehension that the revolver was not loaded, and Kendall, thinking the matter serious enough, turned out his pockets, one shilling being the result, llis wife at this stage returned. Powelka, disappointed with the amount received from Kendall, transferred his attention to her purse. She produced a small bag from the house, which had already been the subject of Powelka's investigations. The latter became furious when he saw the bag. "You evidently think these are not loaded," he said, and he held the revolver close to the lady's head ami fired. Mrs. Kendall fainted at once. At 'this stage of the proceedings a cyclist appeared on the scene, anci Powelka, of whose identity Kendall says there can be no douui, left, disappearing quickly in the darkness. The police are scouring the country for him, but so far he lias not been captured, although somfe later traces have been found nearer town.