THE POWELKA PURSUIT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9189, Issue XLI, 14 April 1910, Page 5

THE POWELKA PURSUIT.

TO-DAY'S HAPPENINGS.

SERGEANT MAGUIRE SUCCUMBS,

VARIOUS RUMOURS

In the chronicle of events of the last stirring week or so none has been so painful as that which is given to-day of the passing of Sergeant Maguirc, the victim of Sunday night's tragedy. At six o'clock this morning the officer breathed his last, and the news will be received with deepest regret, not only in Wellington, where he was so well known, but throughout this district, where he had so brief a residence, and where he was sacrificed in doing his duty.

Many rumours have been floating about that Joseph Powelka is being actively assisted, not only in Palmerston, but in Kimbolton, where his parents live. If he is receiving help in the latter place it is not from his relatives. Mr C. J. Hansen, of Palmerston, to-day received a telegram from his son, Mr W. Hansen (who is a brother-in-law of the fugitive), stating that "premises in that town arc well guarded by the police every night, and the fugitive will get no sympathy from his people." It is astonishing how some rumours grow as they travel from mouth to mouth. The Taranaki News publishes a startler which was going the rounds of New Plymouth. It was to the effect that eight policemen had been shot by the fugitive ! This is almost as sensational as some of the "true" stories published in the Wellington dailies. Foxton is not going to bo behind-hand .in tho matter of providing Powelka incidents. This one comes from the river port, and may be taken for what it is worth. As the train from Palmerston to Foxton was travelling between Himatangi and Motuiti last night the fireman alleges he saw a man standing in the middle of the road, and almost immediately there was a flash and the report of a weapon. On examination at Foxton it was found that some paint had been knocked off tho cab of the engine, apparently by a bullet. Tho police have been communicated with on the matter.