LATER FROM FIJI.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 36, 17 November 1871, Page 3

LATER FROM FIJI.

THE ARREST OF MR. ROSENWAX, THE MELBOURNE ABSCONDER. October 24. Last Friday evening, about half-past 7, the inhabitants of Levuka were aroused from their wonted quietude by the report of a pistol-shot from one of the vessels in the harbour, shortly after which followed the ringing of the bell on board the ‘ Balclutha,’ and from the knowledge of their having a prisoner on board, conjecture was at once made on land that some escape had been made or attempted to be made. But we on shore were not long before the intelligence reached us, which came after distress signals had been fired from the steamer. The. account annexed is the only correct account published, which I clip from the Fiji Times of Saturday, October 21 : “ The fact that a special detective has arrived here, per special steamer the. 1 Balclutha, for the purpose of arresting a fugitive bankrupt, has been for sometime patent on the beach, and needs no comment. The steamer arrived here a few days ago, considerably in advance of the ‘Eliza Firth,’ which conveyed the defaulter, Mr Rosenwax. The detective at once communicated with the Government, who promised him every assistance ; and it may redound to the credit of Fiji in the colonies, that the whole population of the beach endorsed their action, and showed that the stigma under which Fiji now labors is one they were determined to remove. Immediately on the arrival of the ‘ Eliza Firth’ yesterday, the policeboat was alongside, and undertook the arrest. The captain of the vessel made considerable difficulties and it was not until late that he agreed to send Rosenwax ashore in the ship s boat. The Government boat, containing amongst others, Mr Burt, Mr Brougham, and Mr Martin, chief of the special police, was then astern, and, on receiving this intimation drew up between the ship and the ship’s boat, rendering it necessary for any passenger to step first into their boat before gaining the one for which they .were bound. In a feAV minutes the captain of the ‘ Eliza Firth ’ descended the side and stepped into his boat, without opposition ; he was followed by Rosenwax, who came down, stepped into the Government boat, and was going on, when a heavy hand foil on his shoulders : ‘ Sit down, you are my prisoner ; loose the painter there!’ and, before the position was realised, Rosenwax was away in charge. He was at once taken on board the steamer, and a guard mounted over him. Unfortunately, he had friends on shore, and a movement was soon in progress which resulted in the escape. About half-past fix Mr De Courcy Ireland, Mr E. S. Smith, Mr R. Graham, and Mr Aaron Pinkus, now in charge, preceded on board the steamer in Scotty’s boat. Mr McCullum was then in charge of Rosenwax. They entered into convcr sation with Rosenwax, and it is said that one of the gentlemen made use of the words —’ Mr Rosenwax, you are free, and I advise you to walk over the side.’ Me Cullum said, 1 If he does, you’ll have to take me too.’ Pinkus and another man then closed with McCullnm, and a scuffle ensued, when Pinkus, it is said, fired two shots at McCullum, one of which grazed his thigh. Pinkus and Rosenwax then rushed into the boat,’ followed by McCullum, who was, however, hustled out, and the boat pulled away. Scotty alleges that one of the men presented a revolver at his head, and ordered him to land them at Henning’s wharf which he did. The description he gives of the second man in the boat answers to that of Rosenwax in every particular, which could be given by the imperfect light. Pinkus was arrested in the evening by Mr Petherbridge, and was lies in the watchhouse. The charge sheet reads—Aaron Pinkus, Hebrew, native of Austria, charged with shooting with intent to kill. The special constables (70) are all on the alert, runners have been despatched all over the island, and every effort is being made to effect the capture, of Rosenwax. A large number of additional constables have been sworn in.— Rosenwax was arrested at half-past nine in the house of a half-caste, close to Messrs Clarke and Stewarts ginningestablishment. the arrest was made by Captain Brown, of the ‘ Dancing Wave,’ assisted by a man named McLeod, and a few others. He was lyihg under a mat when he was seized by two of them at once, as they were apprehensive of his bearing arms. He struggled desperately, and we are informed attempted to dash his head against a post when he found that his arms were fast. He was taken to the station-house, where he owned to his identity and was locked up. A considerable crowd collected, but no attempt was made at a rescue, the rush seeming to be dictated by curiosit} 7 . At latest accounts all was quiet on the beach, but a diligent watch is being kept over the prisoner-”—Correspondent D. S. Cross.