EX-DETECTIVE KIRBY'S ESCAPE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2211, 16 July 1896, Page 24

EX-DETECTIVE KIRBY'S ESCAPE.

Wellington, July 10.

fn the M agistratts'a Court W. G. Bassett was charged with aiding and abetting Kirby to escape. Detective Jones, of Sydney, gave evidence that he searched for Kirby on the Talnne'f arrival, but found no trace of him. fie had the forehold of the vesrel searched, and found there coafca, an overcoat (in the pecket of which were a *psir of cocks, a bat, and some phys<c), and a rug. He. also saw a big packing case, which was immediately under the trapdoor in the 'tween decks and opposite the bar. In the pocket -of the walking coat.&e found two envelopes addressed to "A. Kirby, City Buffet Hotel, Wellington," one of which oontaJDed a cheque (produced) on the Bank of New South Wales for £300, made out in favour of Mrs Olive Bassetfc. Witness saw Baaeett in George street, Sydney, on June 4, when he gave the name of William George, and denied that be mt Baseetfc or knew Kirby. Afterwards he admitted he, buna from New Zealand under the name as marked on the ca?e in which Kirby i» supposed to hare travelled. Accused was committed for trial, bail being allowed in two sureties of £250 each.

The freights on the West Aurcralian gold'^elds railwajß are to be reduced by from 20 to W per cent.

Within the past seven or eight years from 59. to 100 yards )n width of the Esplanade at Oam&ru hes been Trashed away, and is etxll gfiiDg rapidly.