A LONG CHASE

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12091, 28 June 1920, Page 8

A LONG CHASE

MAORI PRISONER 'RECAPTURED. Per Press Association. Te Awamntu. June 24 A moat exciting c base took place on Saturday and Sunday, when a prisoner named Tu Taaka escaped from a gang at Waikeria. Stealing a horse and brhile, he rode far into Putaruru ranges, miles from any human habitation. A sheriff’s posse, under Constable P Doyle, Te Awamntn, set out on horseback after the fugitive. They spent all Saturday in the Kawa flat near Otorohauga, but saw no sign of the prisoner. On Sunday Constable Doyle and a Maori guide set out on a perilous trek across the Rangiatea ranges to see if Tn Taaka had crossed the Maungoronga river. They rode all morning, having to „ undress and swim rivers flooded by heavy rains. When they were practically exhausted from heavy going, at the “Summit of the ranges the Maori lad saw tracks cf.Taaka’s horse. The fugitive was then seven miles ahead. A fast chase resulted in him being captured as he was jnst about to swim the river naked, j When caught Taaka made bnt little resistance. He was reconveyed to the prison. Great praise is due to the Maori boy for his expert guidance over roadless country. The police understands that Taaka slept within a few yards of his pursuers on Saturday on Kawa swamp in a trap hut.