STERN CHASE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 57, 9 March 1931, Page 8

STERN CHASE.

RECAPTURE OF PRISONERS.

POLICE COMMANDEER LORRY.

TIMBER UNLOADED, QUICKLY.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

TAUMARUNUI, Saturday,

Smart work was done by Constable L. H. Shearman and Chief Warder Glynn, of Waikune prison camp, and a party in capturing Thomas Douglas Forsyth and Kenneth John Evans, the escapees from Mount Eden prison. On Thursday morning Mr. Glynn received word that two men answering the description of the escaped prisoners were in the Te Awamutu district. He immediately set off in a car for the Waikato. When no trace of the wanted men could be found, he motored home via Te Kuiti and Taumarunui. On arrival at Waikune prison camp on Thursday night he received news that the wanted men had been seen at Wade's landing, and, in company with other warders, he joined Constable Shearman at Eaurimu and went out in pursuit. The country through which the police party travelled on Thursday night and Friday morning is very difficult, but the settlers gave the party assistance and information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitives. About six o'clock on Friday morning they got on the tracks of the men, going towards Maungaparua, along the bridle track. The police secured horses and started over the range into the Maungaparua Valley. They ar- j rived at Waipapa Valley, only to findj that the escaped men had just been j picked up by a motor lorry. They were only about five minutes ahead of their pursuers.

A hard chase ensued up the hill, but weight told, as some of the pursuers are men of 17 stone. After r, chase of 20 milej a tsxaber lorry was met. The officers commandeered it. and unloaded the timber in record time, and then continued the pursuit After 15 miles thg

lorry on which the prisoners were riding was sighted. The two men immediately jumped off and took to the hills.

Leaving their lorry, the police followed the men, and saw them about 200 yards ahead. By this time both prisoners and police were knocked up. Then the R*ietihi and Ohakune constables arrived, and the whole force of pursuers surrounded the men. One constable at one time was 10 feet below the men, but he couhl not capture them, owing to the thick scrub and the difficulty in climbing a ridge. However, the chase ended when Constable Shearman pounced on them as they were hiding a few feet below him. There was no possibility of escape, as a cordon had been drawn around within 50 yards of them.

The prisoners had sufficient food to last them a considerable time. Aft;r being handcuffed they were taken to the Waikune prison camp and placed in the cells. They left for Auckland last evening in charge of warders from the prison camp.

Constable Shearman and Chief Warder Glynn have made many important captures during their career.