CEASELESS EFFORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 259, 2 November 1933, Page 9

CEASELESS EFFORT.

DETECTIVES AND POLICE.

RESIDENTS' ADMIRATION.

(By Telegraph.—"Star" Special Reporter.) HUNTLY, this day. The fact that to-day's search at Ruawaro was again concentrated on marshland near the Lakey farmhouse 6eems to indicate that the police still believe Mr. Lakev's body is not far distant. It is possible that the body was taken away by car, and in pursuance of their vigorous activities the police intend to make a further search on the coal slack tip near the Renown mine at Eotowaro. It is likely that a steam shovel, belonging to the Huntly station yard, will be used to shift thousands of tons of slack that lie smouldering near the railway line. When preliminary search was made on the slack tip a few days ago it was found—strangely enough —that although the tip smokes incessantly and considerable heat exists several pieces of wood and bits, of paper unearthed were scorched, but not burned'. It is thought, therefore, that if a body were concealed in the smoking tip it would not be destroyed. A further search of Lake Whangape was also carried out by a launch manned by Constables Elms and Crisp. Police Efforts Praised. Detective T. Snedden, who, with Chief Detective Sweeney, is in charge of the case, made many inquiries to-day at Eotowaro and the surrounding districts. Up until to-day three detectives have been aiding in the search for Mr. Lakey's body all day, and pursuing their inquiries and interviewing settlers at night. Suggestions have been made in some quarters that detectives of what has been described as "proved ability" should be sent immediately to take charge of the inquiry. These suggestions have been strongly resented by residents in the district, who are full of admiration of the work already done by the detectives and constables.

Praise for the work of Detectives Snedden, Allsopp and Findlay and the constables under Sergeant Bissett was expressed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. W. G. Wohlmann, when, together with Superintendent S. Till, he visited the farm and inspected the locality yesterday afternoon. After a conference with the detectives, the Commissioner was conducted over the trail of the supposed crime. He brought, the men thigliboots and said that anything that could be done for their comfort would be done immediately. Search ty Aeroplane. Alth'ough. the spin of a coin decided yesterday which of two detectives would carry out a search by aeroplane, the luck was against the winner of the toss, Detective Snedden. He was ready waiting at the arranged landing ground at Weaver's Crossing, but through a misunderstanding the 'plane did not arrive there. Captain Hewett skilfully landed his 'plane on a meagre patch near the Lakey farm, and then searched, first with Detective Allsopp and then Detective Findlay as observers. Mucih valuable evidence has been obtained by the police, and their hopes are high that within a short time they will be able to state their case as complete.