Police Fire at Suspected Burglars

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 289, 7 December 1936, Page 8

Police Fire at Suspected Burglars

TWO MEN WOUNDED

Per Press Association.

AUCKLAND, Last Night.

The police have been especially active of late with a view to the capture of a gang of safeblowers believed to be responsible for blowing 15 safes in and around Auckland in the past few months. Five detectives last night lay in ambusli for over three hours in a hedge opposite the Farmers’ Trading Company's store at Pokeno, 40 miles south of Auckland, and at about 1.45 a.m. three men went to.tho oil store behind the shop and returned to the road.

They were called upon to halt and two shots were fired by the police in the air, the men having it is alleged, ignored a warning and attempted to escape. Two further shots were fired by the detectives and the police closed with and arrested two of the men.

One suspect, William Murphy, a Maori, aged 40, residing in the city, had been wounded in the stomach. The second arrested man was named Lawson and the third man, who is believed to have been injured in the leg or foot, escaped. A wide search is being made by the police.

An ambulance and doctor were called fTom Auckland and Murphy was taken to the hospital. His case is not thought to be serious and an X-ray examination will be made.

Later Clement Robert Lawson, aged 25, appeared at the Police Court before Mr. Wyvern Wilson charged with being a rogue and a vagabond and being unlawfully in possession of housebreaking implements. He was remanded for a week on th* application of the police. On the request of counsel bail was allowed at £IOO. The police said Murphy would be charged later.