Pawelka Again at Large.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 22, Issue 67, 29 August 1911, Page 7

Pawelka Again at Large.

FORCES A GAOL GRATING. EVIDENTLY HELPED PROM OUTSIDE. Wellington, Last Night. John Joseph Pawelka, the notorious man who was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment for burglaries and arson in Palmerston North and the surrounding district, made his second escape from the Wellington Terrace Gaol and his fifth from custody, early this morning some time between 4 and 6 o’clock.

Pawelka bodily forced a small grating out of the cell. The grating opened into the yard, and, favoured by darkness, the prisoner got clean away. ' Later a milkman reported having seen a man in white running near the Kelburne power-house towards the Botanical Gardens.

Sixty odd police and warders are now searching in all directions. The gardens have been thoroughly explored without result. A man reports having seen a person corresponding in description to Pawelka hurrying along a Hutt bystreet in the direction of Wainui.

It is stated that the grating was screwed from outside, and the screws had been removed, and the holes filled with putty, so that all Pawelka had to do was to force the grating through at a convenient moment. Palmerston North, Last Night.

Pawelka’s escape has caused considerable interest here, as his wife and child are still residing in the district, and it is thought that he will make for here.

NOT RECAPTURED. Wellington, Last Nigbt. At a late hour to-night Pawelka wai still at large.