Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,500 Copies Daily. MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1910. THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9187, Issue XLI, 11 April 1910, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,500 Copies Daily. MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1910. THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT.

Citizens whose homeward way from places of worship took them along Ferguson Street last night came upon a strange scene—one not often associated with the peaceful calm of Sunday evening. At intervals the thoroughfare was brilliantly illuminated by the street lamps interspersed by flaring torches. The street itself was patrolled by armed constables supported by scores of citizens also carrying revolvers and carbines. The passer-by would, in the other streets of the block, have found a complete cordon of constables, and would have received an instant challenge if his movements were at all suspicious. The alarming intelligence that Sergeant Maguire, who had only arrived last week to take over the charge of the local station, had been foully shot down by some miscreant in a house in the vicinity, was responsible for the intense excitement. As meagre details circulated it was learnt that the police officer had sustained a desperate wound in the- execution, of his duty, and on all sides expressions of sympathy with him and abhorrence of the crime were hoard. These gave place to earnest hojDes that the perpetrator of the deed would speedily be captured, for it was recognised that what had happened to Sergeant Magui[re might easily happen to any other citizen. It is, of course, generally believed that the fugitive from justice, Joseph Powelka, is connected with the crime, and though after his escapade at Ashhurst on Saturday the pendulum of sympathy was beginging to swing back in his favour slightly, there is now only a general determination that he must be secured. One hears some criticism of . police methods by persons who have no practical acquaintance with the difficulties of the case, but no one offers any better course of procedure. All through their quest until last night, the police seem to have been hampered by the time that elapses lie- I tween the appearance of the escapee !

and the sending of information to the authorities. Citizens can best assist by forwarding instantly to the station news of any suspicious circumstances. Last night's tragic climax to the search has naturally caused great alarm in Palmerston, and many people are making a practice of carrying firearms. There is a risk in the use of weapons by inexperienced persons that is perhaps scarcely less than the danger from the escapee himself, and in this connection citizens are recommended to use the greatest care.