MAN-HUNT CONTINUES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24100, 20 October 1941, Page 8

MAN-HUNT CONTINUES

NO FRESH CLUES FOUND

DIFFICULT COUNTRY (S.R.) HOKTTIKA, Sunday

Tiie search for Stanley Graham, wanted in connection with the Koiterangi fatal shootings, continued throughout the week-end without the discovery of any fresh clue. The work of the police, army, settlers and one or two volunteers from other parts of the West Coast was carried out in showerv weather.

Those in charge of the search believe that Graham secured enough food to keep him going until Monday or Tuesday when he shot the heifer last Tuesday and also took two dozen eggs from a house near Stopforth's mill on Friday.

Under the Commissioner of Police, Mr. I), J. Cuminings. search parties are working the whole district systematically. The area in which activity is now concentrated includes a triangle of rich dairying Hats about five miles along each side. There are scattered areas of hush and many homesteads. On the two sides are hills which give place to the ranges of the main divide. The bush areas on the hills are giving the searchers the greatest trouble. The hills are very steep and broken by many razorback ridges and deep gullies. Mr. Cummings said to-day that he was well satisfied with the progress being made. The organisation was now working smoothly and it would be difficult for Graham to make another foray for food in any part of the wide area covered without being at least seen. Most of the Home Guardsmen who were originally assisting with the search have returned to their homes. The main force is now made up of police and soldiers, with a few settlers with special knowledge of the district assisting. Two parties of searchers returned at the week-end after a three-day trip to the Styx hut locality, 14 or 15 miles from Koiterangi, and the Toaroha Springs.