Hermit theory doubted

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33460, 15 February 1974, Page 3

Hermit theory doubted

r.V.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN. Feb. 14.

The man suspected of the shooting offence at Waldronville a week ago might not be a hermit thought to have lived in the area for some months, the officer in charge of the police search, Inspector H. R. Melrose, said today. Inspector Melrose said that the police were “not so definite,” now on the hermit theory, for a number of reasons. “From the description given of the man we are seeking, this fellow is cleanshaven. That’s hardly the way a hermit would live." Inspector Melrose repeated his earlier comment that the police still had “an open mind” on whether the suspected man was still in the area. He could well be living elsewhere, and have visited the area. There had been a number of reported “sightings” and

burglaries in the Fairfield-Abbotsford-Waldronville area in the last few days, but none had proved conclusively to be connected with the man suspected of the shooting incident. Fingerprints taken from a number of objects in the area were being checked in Wellington. and “could be of some further assistance.” Inspector Melrose said about 20 policemen made a ; sweep search of much of the area yesterday. Local resi-, dents and children were: spoken to, but nothing was, turned up to indicate any; “hermit’s hideout." Twenty policemen were in; “stake-outs” on Wednesday night in the Fairfield area, but no sign of the wanted man was found. The police communications ivan was in the area over-: might, but the search was ■now being co-ordinated again from the Dunedin central; : police station. ' Inspector Melrose said the 12 Wellington policemen! sent to Dunedin to assist the! ; local force in town patrols i would be retained longer 1

than was previously thought.; It had been planned to return the men on Saturday. I The wanted man is de-1 scribed as between 20 and 22 years old, about sft Bin tall, of medium to slight! build, with almost shoulder-, length ginger to fair hair. Heis thought to be wearing a blue or green parka, a light: coloured jersey, jeans, and sand-shoes. He may be; i carrying a pack and rifle, and is to be considered dangerous. 1