IN PURSUIT OF POWELKA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9184, Issue 9184, 7 April 1910, Page 5

IN PURSUIT OF POWELKA.

VARIOUS TALES, ALARMING AND OTHERWISE. A HORSE AND SADDLE STOLEN. Almost every individual in town has a different tale to tell of some dark deed attributed to tho missing furniturelifter and midnight marauder, and if ten per cent, of the tales are true Powelka must by this time have another plant of "furniture and effects" as comprehensive as the one he niaido in Church street some .time back. Numerous local thefts havo been reported, but it is absurd to put them all down to Joseph Powelka. For instance, it was averred that a stranger was seen prowling about the property of a well-known Fitzhcrbert residence at about the same time that larders were explored in Broad st. and tho U.F.C.A. store broken open in the Square. We are being constantly called upon to confirm rumours that various business premises in Rangitikei street were entered on Tuesday or Wednesday nights. But these rumours are happily all unsupported by facts. It may be pointed out here that there is every probability that the meaner class of thief, of whom Palmerston has always sheltered more than its share, owing to its central position, will undoubtedly take advantage of the prevailing tendency to blame Powelka for everything, and become a little more active than usual. Some of the thefts on Tuesday night, for instance, were undoubtedly committed by tho sneak thief. Ilowcyer, there is ample evidence of a moro serious offender, who can without difficulty be suspected of identity with the missing spoon-stealer. Early yesterday morning a cottage on Boundary road, occupied by Mr J. Bruce, milk vendor, was entered, and £15 or £16 in cash was stolen therefrom. Then to-day comes news of a further ■ characteristic crime, and one which might make the work of the police more difficult. Mr C. Turner, employed at Mr Dahl's factory, had a horso and saddle stolen last night, and no trace of either can be found to-day. A bicycle was left- at Mr Turner's place when the horse was taken. Another rumour has it that Powcfka was seen going over the Pahiatua track on a horse early this morning. The pdlice authorities are fully alive to the seriousness of the position. There are now nine extra men here, a fresh contingent having arrived this morning from Wellington, so that tho fears of residents 011 the outskirts of 'tho town should be considerably allayed.

It is reported to-day that some tags belonging to boots stocked by Messrs Millar and Giorgi were found in a shed on the outskirts of the town on the night of the fire, but whether this clue will lead to anything remains to be seen. An uneasy feeling prevails in the town, but people arc not alarmed to the extent stated by some irrational newspaper writers, and the police may be relied upon to do their utmost to effect a capture. THE POLICE FORCE.

A REWARD FOR INFORMATION,

(Peb Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 7. The Minister, for Justice states there are as many men from the police force engaged in the search for Powelka as can Toe spared. Nothing is being left undone to effect the escapee's arrest. The Minister is considering the expediency of offering a reward for information that will lead to Powelka's arrest.