HOW THE BANK DEFAULTER WAS TRAPPED.

Otago Witness, Issue 1160, 21 February 1874, Page 15

HOW THE BANK DEFAULTER WAS TRAPPED.

We notice that the Wellington papers are rather oock-a-hoop over tr-e capture of Uruminoud, the Bink defaulter, who was arrested on board the Mikado th« other day. The greatest credit is bestowed upon the Wellington police for the shrewd smartnebs they displayed in the matter ; but whilst we have no doubt about the efficiency of the Wellington force, we at the same time must say a word in favour of .Sergeant Neil, of the Port Chalmers police, who, we have sound reasons for believing, supplied the advices which led to the capture of Drumraond. And more than that, we are confident that Sergeant Neil would have effected the capture himself if the Gazette containing the description of Drummond and his female companion had been forwarded to him in time. It is a remarkable fact that the defaulter and his lady ffiend staid at a certain hotel at Port Chalmers ff>r more than one night, and whilst tbere were objects of suspicion to the police. And yefc Drujnmond did not keep in close hiding, but instead walked about the Port and Dunedin, and seemed evidently bent upon enjoying himself. He, or at least a person answering to his description, was amongst the passengers conveyed by the steamer Golden Age to the Mikado on the evening of that steamer's sailing. He was very chatty to those about him, and described to our Port Chalmers reporter what parts of Dunedin he had that day visited, and commented, in the style of one who claimed to be an authority in such matters, upon Bishop Nevill's residence at JBishop3 Court. He thought that the Bishop had inado a great mistake in building there. And thi-i man, to whose arrest a large reward was attached, absolutely rubbed shoulders with the Port Police. How aggravating to them the reflection of having missed him, and all because they were not advised until too late. It was not until the following day that the Gazette came to hand, and then [Sergeant Neil at once flashed the information to Christclmrch, whilst a telegram based upon the Sergeant's report of how DrummoiHl w;is dressed, was sent to Wellington from Dunedin prior to the Mikado's arrival there ; and so Mr Drummond was trapped.