STILL AT LARGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1938, Page 7

STILL AT LARGE

WERAROA LADS CONTINUE ESCAPADES

TRAIL OF MOTOR-CARS AND CYCLES. THREE GARAGES BROKEN INTO. The two young escapees from Weraroa Training Farm continue to lead the Masterton police a merry dance. Last night they added three more motor-cars, four bicycles and some cash and provisions to their previous tally of three cars. They are still at large and although they have a rifle in their possession are not considered to be dangerous. The youths, one of whom is from Masterton, escaped from Weraroa on March 31 and they arrived in the Masterton district on Sunday, leaving a trail of stolen cars and petty thefts behind them. They like motor-cars, but are not particular as to make or size and apparently have decided objections to walking. If a car is not on hand a bicycle will do. A motor-car belonging to Mr O. R. Williams, of York Street, which was taken on Sunday, after the youths had abandoned near Solway a car stolen from Woodville, was yesterday found at Opaki, where the escapees spent the greater- part of the day in an empty house. A close watch in the locality by the police last night proved fruitless and in the meantime the youths paid an uninvited and unwelcome visit to Mr L. T. Daniell’s residence at Akura.

Taking two bicycles and some money from there, they then proceeded to a house in Tararua Street. Removing their boots, they broke into the garage and were pushing a motor-car into the street when the owner of the house disturbed them. The youths took to their heels, leaving the bicycles behind them, and succeeded in getting away. .

Undeterred by this reverse, the youths made their way along Pownall Street and entered a private garage at the residence of Mr D. M. Douglas. On this occasion they were successful in removing a motor-car into the street without being disturbed. This car was apparently not to their liking, as it was abandoned in Cole Street, where two more bicycles were appropriated for a trip to Short Street.

The bicycles in turn were left near the residence of Mr H. P. Parsonson. from whose garage a car was taken. This car and the youths have yet to be found.

Every effort is being made by the police to capture the escapees, and only bad luck prevented this being done last night. The number of the missing car, which is painted blue, is 19,934.