Chase in the Dark

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 57, 9 March 1943, Page 3

Chase in the Dark

A story of a chase over back fences and along streets in the darkness, was told in the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court •yesterday when a Maori labourer, Tihu Hautahi, aged 41, appeared on charges of breaking and entering the houses of R. R. Morton, Amesbury Street, and stealing an attache case and money of a total value of £1 7s 9d; the house of B. C. B. Dickenson, 162 Broadway, and stealing goods of a total value of £1 19s lOd; the house of C. S. Williams, 1628 Broadway, with intent to commit a crime; attempting to break and enter the house of Annie Biswell, 182 Broadway; and also with being a rogue and vagabond in that he was found by night on enclosed premises without lawful excuse. - According to the evidence, accused was noticed by several Broadway residents acting suspiciously and they sent for the police. Constable Gunn and several civilians took up the hunt which led over back fences, and through vacant sections and along nearby streets for three-quarters of an hour in the darkness. Finally accused was located in a cafe in Rangltikel Street. Hautahi denied that ho was the person concerned in the affair, but after hearing the evidence, Messrs G. M. Ranson and C. H. Whitehead, Justices, committed him to the Supreme Court for trial.