THE CAPTURE OF PETER BIRRELL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5030, 11 June 1889, Page 3

THE CAPTURE OF PETER BIRRELL.

Peter Birroll, late clerk to the Deputy Assignee (Mr W. C. Beswick) atTimaru, and who has been wanted by the police for the last five weeks on several charges of alleged forgery, was found in hiding at a farmhouse, occupied by a bachelor, near the township of Winchester at an early hour this morning. Though rumours had got about that Birrell had gob away for Home in cither the barque Kincluno or ship Earlacourt some 40 days age, the police stuck to the first opinion they had formed, that he was somewhere in hiding in South Canterbury, and as events have proved this opinion has turned out to bo the correct one. Throughout Sergeant Livingstone has prosecuted the search with care and keenness, and acting on a conclusion come to on Monday, bo proceeded to Temuka by the first train this morning. Hiring a trap from Mr Storey of that town, the sergeant then proceeded on his way to Winchester, and coming to a farmhouse kept by“‘3a bachelor (whose name is fir the present withheld), he demanded admission. At first he was not admitted, but after a delay of ten minutes or so, the door was opened by Birrell himself, and he was taken into custody. The sergeant then brought his prisoner on to Timaru, advising Sergeant Major Mason by telegraph this morning of the arrest. Ihe sergeant and Birrell arrived at the police station at 11.30 this morning, and the latter was lodged in the lock up. The sergeant has throughout displayed most praiseworthy tact, and deserves great credit for the quiet way he has brought his duties to a successful termination.

THE CHARGES. The accused was brought before 0. A, Wray, Esq., at noon and charged (1) with that on the 4th September, 1888, he feloniously did forge an acquittance and receipt for the sum of £l2 11s 3d with intent thereby to defraud, and (2) with that on the 7th June, 1888, he did feloniously forgo an acquittance and receipt for the, sum of £385, with the intent to defraud. Both informations were laid by the Audit Inspector, Mr Augustus Webber Fames. Mr J. W. White appeared for the Crown and Mr 0. T. H. Berry for the accused. Mr White asked that accused be remanded to the 17th inst,, Monday next, and Mr Perry asked for bail on behalf of his client. His Worship fixed the bail at two securities in the sum of £l5O on each charge, or £6OO in all. The court then adjourned.