A STERN CHASE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3763, 27 April 1926, Page 32

A STERN CHASE.

ESCAPED PRISONERS RECAPTURED.

OFFICIALS’ STRENUOUS TIME. AUCKLAND. April 24. In connection with the escape and recapture of two prisoners from the prison camp, the gaoler, Mr Glynn, and Constable Shearman, of Raurimu, during three days and nights covered all the country between Taiimarunui and Warouru. They had neither re t nor sleep during that time.

Traces of the fugutives were picked up at 4 o'clock on Thursday afternoon 22 miles from Waiouru. They were trailed through rough country for 12 miles and located near the 34-mile peg on the Tokaanu road, near Rangipo. Constable Shearman and Mr M'Leod. a warder, awarded the bridge, while Mr Glynn and Mr O’Neill, another warder, drove past the men in their car. The car was then secreted in the scrub and the two officers lay in ambush on the roadside. The two men came along about 8 p m., and in a short, sharp struggle they were overpowered and handcuffed They were then comeved to Ohakune and lodged in tiie cells at 2 a.m. After breaking awav the two men had travelled along the Tokaanu road for about. 12 miles. They broke into the camp of Sir James Gun«on and did considerable ifa mage, helping themsplves to food, clothing, and tools. They then crossed the ranges between Ntrauruhoe and Ruapehu. At one stage of the search the prison officers w’ere only a nuarter of a mi'c nwny froip them, but a fog came down and the officer* and escanee* were alike ho;md by it on the mountain side for some time.