THE PAWELKA SENSATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2929, 4 May 1910, Page 41

THE PAWELKA SENSATION.

PALMERSTON N., April 29. Pawelka arrived at Palraerston North by the express this morning, and there was a large crowd at the station to see him. He alighted handcuffed to two> constables, and accompanied by a warder and other members of the force. His youthful appearance was the subject of much comment. Neatly dressed, and., shaved, and with healthy colour, there was little of the unshaven, scowling-eyed individual with whom published photographs have familiarised the public. The first charge brought against him was the theft of a butcher's steel, which was dismissed' on the ground of insufficient evidence. In cases where he was charged with breaking and entering and theft from the dwelling of Miss M'Kay, and arson in connection with same dwelling; the theft of a bicycle, and escape from Palmerson North gaol, accused pleaded Not Guilty. and, reserving "his defence, w.as committed for trial. Mr Loughnan prosecuted, and Mr Moore appeared for accused. A controversy as to the correct spelling of his name was settled when he signed the necessary documents " Pawelka." ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL, PALMERSTON N., May 2. Pawelka appeared at the Magistrate's Court to-day to answer charges arising from events subsequent to his escape from Wellington Gaol, the following charges being preferred against him: That on the 2nd April, at Awapuni, beingarmed at the time with an offensive weapon (a revolver), he did commit robbery by stealing, accompanied by threats of violence, Is from John Kendall; that he entered the butcher's shop of James Francis, at Longburn, and stole therefrom 41b of steak, 61b of German sausage, and a sou'-weste'r hat; that he broke and entered and committed theft from Charles Perry's store, at Longburn ; that he broke and entered the Ashurst Railway Station on April 17, and stole postal notes and stamps. He is also charged with arson in the case of the Millar and Giorgi and High School fires on April 5. In the alleged robbery. under arms case John Kendall gave similar evidence to that already published regarding the sticking up. He had no doubt that the man who was masked was Joe Pawelka, as he had known him for eight or nine months while working at the abattoirs. He could not see his face, but recognised his voice. Mrs Kendall stated that she heard the man demand money from her husband ; and threaten to blow his brains out. The shot was fired past her face. She had an idea that the man was Pawelka. Pawelka pleaded " Not guilty," and reserved his defence. He was committed for trial at the Supreme Court. In the cases of theft at Longburn and ■the fire at the High School finger-print evidence was given, and Edwin Dinnie. finger-print expert, of Wellington, deposed that the finger prints on the glass at both places were identical with Pawelka's impressions, bearing many characteristic marks. In each case Pawelka. whose only sign of discomposure was a slight twitching -'.hiV mouth and a continual nervous Sneering of his moustache, pleaded " Not guilty,'' and reserved his defence. He was committed for trial at the next sittings of the Suureme Court at Palmerston North. The charge of murdering Sergeant Macguire will be heard on Friday. The Cabinet decided to-day to make a grant ■ of J 3500 as compensation to the widow of Sergeant Maguire. This grant as in addition to the ordinary payment which Mrs Maguire will receive from the Police Superannuation Fund.