UNWELCOME VISITORS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2203, 26 January 1886, Page 2

UNWELCOME VISITORS.

The local police authorities have been advised by tho police at Sydney of the departure of a celebratod thief, accompanied by a number of magsmen, for New Zealand. The leader of this gang reached Auckland by the To Anau, and hero he and his companions havo been closely watched by the detectives, After attending tho races, tho band loft for the South, and it is believed they are being reinforced by another contingent from Sydney by tho Hauroto, which is expected to reach Wollington'to-morrow. The mon have been traced to the Foxton races, and it is likely that they may make their presence felt 'in this city. From information supplied to tho police, it appears that ono of the band of magsmen and sharpers was convicted in Sydney for attempting to pick pockets at the Agricultural Society's grounds, Moore Park, for whioh he received' three months' imprisonment. Hois also said to bo a clever hotel tliief.. Bo isdescribed as bein? of larrikin appearanoe, about 28 years of age, brown hair, with small and light moustache, and rather full in face. Other magsmen are stated to havo left Australia by the Rotorua, and it is evident that n set has been made upon New Zealand aB a happy hunting ground for the criminal outpourings of the sister colonies, Wo are therefore asked to put the inhabitants of Wellington and the surrounding districts upon their guard, It is satisfactory to know that, instructions have been issued to have the men watched, and should the slightest pretence be afforded ftfr arresting them, advantage will promptly bo takon of it. The police will also advise other districts whioh the band may propose to visit.—Evening Press,.