BAILED UP.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 74, 4 April 1910, Page 8

BAILED UP.

BY ARMED HIGHWAYMAN

SETTLER'S COTTAGE RAN-

SACKED

MARAUDER SAID TO BE POWELKA.

[mESS association.]

PALMERSTON N., April 4. Mr and Mrs J. Kendall, the occupants of a cottage at Awapuni, .near Palmerston, . ~jvhen returning liome on Saturday ftjpni town noticed a bag just outside*j&ei]f.^gate. An investigation showe^thaw^t contained several eomestifrlesjp^which they recognised as previously forming part i.of their larder. . They went into the house, and there a startling state of .affairs was revealed. The whole Jiouse was in complete disorder, and it was quite apparent that it had -been searched for money. Boxes had been thrown open, and the contents ,-strewn about the place. The intruder;, it was also evident, brought with him a most healthy appetite. The dairy had bee"n visited, and with the help of cream and milk found there, a loaf of bread, cake, and bther eatables had been demolished. Mr and Mrs Kendall returned to the road to pursue their investigations, and whilst at the gate Kendall .saw a man approaching along the road, and at once recognised him as Powelka. When the latter saw Kendall he presented a revolver and asked, for money. Kendall said that he had not any money, and the man with the gun pointed out in forcible tones' that he was not playing the Tobbef. He was picturesquely masked in a piece of torn blouse belonging to Mrs Kendall, whilst a handkerchief was tied round the lowei' part of his face. Powelka told Kendall not to labor under the misapprehension that the revolver was not loaded, and Kendall, thinking the matter serious •enough', turned out his pockets, Is facing the result: His wife at this stage returned. Powelka, disappointed with the amount received from Kendall, transferred his attention to her, and demanded her purse. ■She produced.a'small bag from the Jiouse which 'had already been the ■subject of Powelka's investigations. The latter became furious when he caw "the bag. "You evidently think that>this is not loaded," he said, and Jxeld the revolver close to the. lady's tead and fired. Mrs Kendall fainted at once.

At this stage of the proceedings a cyclist appeared on the scene, and Powelka, of whose identity Kendall says there can be no doubt, left, disappearing quickly in the darkness. The police are scouring the country for him, but so far he has not "been captured, although some later traces have been found nearer town.