STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 September 1916, Page 7

STRATFORD.

BURGLARIES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratford, Yestc.rdav. t or some months past reports have reached the local police of various premises being entered and articles stolen, and despite all inquiries no clue could be obtained of the real culprits Last Sunday evening, quite a sensation was caused in Fenton Street when it became known that another residence had been entered. It appears that a local resident called during the evening at Mrs. Browning's residence in Fenton Street, and finding the house in darkness left a note under the door. Just as ho was leaving the premises he heard footsteps in the front room, and, not feeling at all satisfied, informed the next doo r neighbor, asking him to keep watch while the police were informed. Constable Robertson immediately proceeded to the house, but on arrival found that the culprit had escaped by the back door. Tlie premises were examined, and it was found that entrance had 'been gained by. forcing up one of the side windows with a large axe and breaking the window catch. The culprit, how" ever, had left a bicycle standing near the front gate, and the constable immediately mounted it and gave chase, but up to a late hour no trace could be found of the offender. On Monday morning the police were informed that a lad named Milton Barlow, about 1G years of age, was missing from his home in Olivia Street, and on Constable Robertson making inquiries he discovered that a horse had been taken from a contractor's paddock near by and a parcel stolen out of the dray. In the evening the constable further discovered that a residence on the iPcmbroke Road had been broken into, and a sum of money and sundry articles stolen therefrom.' The constable followed up the clue, and at midnight yesterday arrested the lad. Approaching the hush that is inside the radius line leading to the Stratford Mountain House, in the dark, was no easy matter, but with the assistance of a banner's dog Barlow's hiding-place was discovered. The- lad had built himself a shelter of sacks taken from a farmhouse near by, and had evidently decided to make it a temporary home'until he could find more commodious quarters. | At 0 o'clock this morning Sergeant Dale, assisted by Constable Robertson, arrested a man named (ieorge Browning, aged about ;lu years, on a charge of being connected with the breaking and entering the premises of Bertram Harkness and stealing sundry articles. A search of Browning's rooms resulted in a considerable amount of property being secured by the police. At the Police Court this afternoon, before Mr. S. B: Hunter. J.'R, George Browning and Milton William Barlow were charged with breaking and entering the premises of Bertram Tlarkness, Juliet Street, Stratford, and the theft of certain articles therefrom.

Sergeant Dale asked for a remand till the 13th inst., when, he stated, further charges would probably be preferred against them. Mr. T. C. Fookes. who appeared for Barlow, applied' for bail. liotk accused were remanded till the 13th, bail being allowed in accused's .own recognisance of iCIOO and one surety of £IOO each. Bail was forthcoming for Harlow, but Browning was retained in custody. Constable Robertson is deserving of credit for the way he lias worked to secure the arrest of accused. The eonstable had not been in bed for two nights owing to his efforts in tracing the accused. GENERAL. : It is understood that the Cardiff iDairy Company has disposed of this season's cheese output to Messrs Joseph Xathau & Co., of Wellington, at the high price of 9%d per lb. Constable Simpson, who was formerly in charge of the, Kltbam police district, but now of Thorndon, is on a visit to Stratford and JJltham, renewing old acquaintances.