DETECTIVE CASSELLS ENGAGED.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVII, Issue LVII, 9 April 1910, Page 5

DETECTIVE CASSELLS ENGAGED.

WELLINGTON, April 8. Detective Cassells leaves Wellington for Pahiatua to-morrow morning to take charge of the operations of the police in. the pursuit of Powelka. PALMERSTON N., April 8. A large force of police are out in the town and the ranges. The fact that a man supposed to be Powelka sought to purchase fuse at Pahiatua yesterday is considered significant. Seeing it is alleged he took detonators, etc., from a Palmorston . store on the night of the fire, the news that the Government has offered £50 for information that will lead to his apprehension is received with satisfaction in the town.

Powelka was some months in the Palmerston Hospital and the subject of a very remarkable operation (says the Manawatu Times). Three ribs were removed from one side and an immense abscess removed from the bottom of his lung. His recovery and subsequent proceedings only add to the marvel of the operation. Powelka must suffer considerably from the present cold weather, as he habitually wears an overcoat on account of chest weakness. He was married shortly after leaving the hospital, and it was his marital troubles which led to his trouble with tho police and the consequent visit to the house that brought about tho discovery of the ' 'collection" that he had been making from so many sources. Powelka was regarded as an excellent and conscientious workman at the abattoirs during the months ho was there. He carried a revolver then, and was a crack shot, being in the habit of practising on the rats.