POWELKA AGAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 195, 17 August 1911, Page 6

POWELKA AGAIN.

ESCAPE AND RECAFTTJJIE. HIDING UNDER A HOUSE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Josepii Powelka, who was sentenced by Judge Cooper rn June of last year to three terms of imprisonment ot seven years each, and declared an habitual criminal, in connection with a series of charges before and after his escape from Wellington Police Station, after he had been brought down from Palmerstou North, got away from Terrace Gaol about 11 o'clock this morning, but was only at large for an hour and a-half. He was found hiding under Mr. W. K. Bennett's house, in Wellington-terrace, a short distance from the gaol. Two nights ago he made an attempt to escape by sawing through the bars of his window, but was discovered when about half-way out. This morning he was taken into the exercise yard, and succeeded in getting under the sentry : box. From thence he climbed up the prison wall, unobserved, and getting on to the roof dropped into the gaol grounds. A woman sa"W him hatless and bootless, getting off the roof. When it was discovered that he had escaped, constables and gaol warders were sent in pursuit and found Powelka hiding under Mr. Bennett's house as stated.

Joseph John Powelka has twice previously escaped from custody, anil in 'March and April the district round ralnierstou North was thrown Into a ferment over the doings of Powelka. The whole countryside was endeavouring to capture the refugee then, nnd during the chase Sergt. Maguire waa fatally shot. Powelka was captured at Ashnrst on the morning of Sunday, April 17, 101f». He is a native of New Zenland. 23 years of age, and first made his appearance in canrt on March 7, 1!>10, m charges of burglary and theft. He was placed on remand In the Pnlmerston gaol, and on March 12 escaped by placing a bucket against the wall of the yard. Into which he had obtained permission to go. Tie switched up a bicycle and made good his escape, but was recaptured two days later. He was then taken to Wellington, but a few days later escaped from Lnmbton Quay Police station, and was at liberty until April 17.