DRAMATIC ARREST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 209, 17 June 1935, Page 6

DRAMATIC ARREST

TWO SUSPECTED BURGLARS. TAXI RIDE TO PICTON TRACED. CRIME SEQUEL. (Per Press Association.) BLENHEIM, This Day. The appearance at the Picton Police Court this morning of Albert William Gauntloss, aged about 30, and Ralph' Crosby, aged about 25, the latter being an Australian, was the culmination of one of the most dramatic pursuits of suspected burglars in the history of New Zealand. The men, who were charged with breaking and entering the premises of Hayes, Ltd., Christohurch, early on Saturday morning, were remanded,to appear at Christchurch on June 25. Immediately the burglary was investigated at Christchurch the police there became interested in the journey of a Christchurch taxi-cab which left the city for the north on Saturday morning. By telegraph and telephone all police stations along the route from Christchurch to Blenheim were communicated with, and as the taxi passed each station the officer in charge immediately reported its progress so that at all times the authorities knew exactly where it was. In anticipation of the car making for Picton the police station there was advised, and while members of the Blenheim police force were strategically posted round Elenheim so as to pick up the fugitives' trail if necessary, Sergeant Smythe and one constable proceeded to: Picton. There, with the Picton police, th'ey witnessed the arrival of the taxi at 8.30 p.m. It was evident that the occupants of the car had anticipated connecting with the Tamahine for Wellington, but the steamer had sailed in the morning. Finally the men booked in at an hotel, which was kept under close observation by the police. In the meantime, once the quarry had gone to rest, Detectives Halbrow and Herron, of Cliristchurch, set out by car for Picton, travelling all night. At Blenheim they were joined by Constable Healy, and arrived at Picton at 8.30 yesterday morning. The whole police now in considerable strength, closed on the hotel. The wanted men were stilLin bed, and there was no difficulty in effecting thenar rest. * It is stated, that a large sum of money was found secreted in the room. The suspects are returning to Christchurch under escort.