MILITARY ESCAPEE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 53, 2 March 1918, Page 4

MILITARY ESCAPEE

CAEFERY EREE AGAIN.

The military prisoner, George Caffery -svho escaped from one of the Auckland fforts' ons ITefofuarv 3„ and; was recaptured a few days later, again made his escape from military custody the other afternoon, says the N.Z. Herald, fie was-still, at large at an early hour, this (Thursdayi) afternoon. The missing man has been prominently before th e public of late. In January the police were entrusted' with the task •of finding him, as he had overstayed his leave from camp. On this charge he -was arrifctcd on Februray 2 in a Mhouse on HoTixm Street by two plain-clothes constables. He had hidden. Siimself up a chimney, tut was discovered owing to his feet and legs being disclosed, to the searchers. On that occasion, 'Caffery was taken to one of the - forts. Next day lie escaped by •bencKfig the stout iron bars outside/the ■window of' the cell in which he' had keen* confined. On February 9 he was again, arrested, being found' -by one of the same constables in the Albion Hotel. He *was onc e more handed over to the/ military authorities*. Yesterday afternoon Caffery was brought over to the Police Court to give evidence in a. case. After the proceedings at the 'Court he was- taken at about 4 p.m. by> two members of the military police to see his mother in -iMelford Street, Ponsonby." So far aa -can be ascertained, he made some excuse to leave 'his guards, and was allowed' to leave their sight. When they ■went to -look for him he had disappear-. edL- It i» belSeve<i that 'he made his wav out by the back door. escapee, -who, it is understood, ■was to hav e -been sent back to camp •last -evening, is 24 years of - age. He as described as being of athletic build-, about sft 10£ in. in height, clean shaven with a dark complexion, black curly hair,-and brown eyes.