DRAMATIC CHASE

Southland Times, Issue 25314, 18 June 1935, Page 7

DRAMATIC CHASE

DETECTIVES IN CAR • TWO YOUNG MEN ARRESTED SAFE-BLOWING ALLEGED (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, June 17. After a dramatic dash from Christchurch by detectives two young men were arrested at Picton early yesterday morning on a charge of safeblowing at Hay’s, Limited. Following the blowing of the safe at Hay’s the police were called in at 2.45 a.m. on Saturday and Detectives Halcrow and Herron were detailed for investigation. Later in the morning the police received information that two men were seen . going through ’Rangiora and further on came a report from Culverden that they had been observed there. The Christchurch detectives checked the movements of the suspects and, acting on further information gave’' pursuit in a police car, leaving Christchurch just before midnight on Saturday and arriving at Picton on Sunday morning. It is understood that a good propertion of the money allegedly stolen has been recovered. The Chief Detective pays a tribute t- the efficient co-operation of the police officers along the route . who quickly picked up traces of the fugitives and reported. POLICE ORGANIZATION TRACING THE CAR. MEN BEFORE COURT. (Per United Press Association.) ’ Blenheim, June 17. The appearance at the Picton Police Court this morning of Albert William Gauntlett, aged about 30, and Ralph Crosby, about 25, the latter being an Australian, was the culmination of one of the most dramatic pursuits of suspected burglars in the history of New Zealand. „ The men, who were charged with breaking and entering the premises of Hay’s, Limited, Christchurch, early on Saturday morning, were remanded to appear at Christchurch on June 25. Immediately the burglary was. investigated at Christchurch the police there became interested in the journey of a Christchurch taxi cab which left the city for the north on Saturday morning. By telegraph and telephone all the police stations along the route from Christchurch to Blenheim were communicated with and as the taxi passed each station the officer in charge immediately reported its progress so that at all times the authorities knew exactly where it was. . , . <? In anticipation of its making for Picton the police station there was advised and while the members of the Blenheim force were strategically posted round Blenheim so as to pick up the fugitives’ trail if necessary, Sergeant Smythe and one constable proceeded to Picton. Here with the Picton police they witnessed the arrival of the taxi at 8.30 p.m. It was evident that the car’s occupants had anticipated connecting with the Tamahine for Wellington, but she had sailed in the morning. Finally the men booked in at Otley’s Hotel, which was kept under close observation by the police. In the meantime once the quarry had gone to rest Detectives Halcrow and Herron, of Christchurch, set out by car for Picton, travelling all night. At Blenheim they were joined by Constable Haly and they arrived at Picton at 8.30 yesterday morning. The whole police party now in considerable strength closed on the hotel. The wanted men were still in bed and no difficulty was experienced in effecting their arrest. The bulk of the money missing from Hay’s was found secreted in the room. The suspects, under escort, are returning to Christchurch.