THE POWELKA HUNT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14345, 15 April 1910, Page 6

THE POWELKA HUNT.

A SECOND FATALITY.

DEATH OF SERGT. MAGUIRE.

FUGITIVE STILL AT LARGE.

NOT SEEN SINCE WEDNESDAY.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington-, Thursday. Sergeant Magi-irk, who was shot in the encounter with Powelka in Mr. Hampton's garden on Sunday night, succumbed to his wounds at Palmerston North, at six o'clock this mornin.

The late Sergeant Maguire was about 41 years of age. He had been a member* of the force for 16 years. He was born on the west coast of the South Island, his father being Mr. B. Maguire. who is now living in Wellington. Some three years ago the deceased was married to Miss O'Brien, of Newtown. There are no children. He joined the police force in 1894, and after serving in Dunedin for some timo did duty, chiefly in plain clothes, in the Mount Cook district. Twelve years ago he came to the central depot on Lambton Quay, and until the end of last week did duty in the district office, where he had attained the position of chief clerk. Four years ago he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Quiet and unostentatious in his demeanour. Sergeant Maguire, who was universally popular, earned the reptuation of being a zealous and efficient officer. He left for Palmerston North only on Friday last; He was accorded a hearty send-off by all sections of the force in the city, and it was hoped that his. health, which had not been very good of late, would be benefited considerably by the change from office work to outdoor duty. Whatever doubts may be felt as to his discretion in tackling a desperate man, while he himself was unarmed, no one who knew him is surprised at his having taken the risk. Despite a quiet demeanour, he hud proved himself to be fearless in the execution of his duty, and when dangerous work was to hand he was always ready for service. BODY TAKEN TO WELLINGTON. Tut telegraph.—press association.] '-, Wellington, Thursday. The body of Sergeant Maguire was brought to Wellington from Palmerston to-night. The funeral will probably take place on Sunday afternoon. Owing to the sergeant's weak condition it was impossible to take any dying depositions. The inquest will be opened at Palmerston on Saturday. ,--■;.-. j