ANOTHER BID FOR LIBERTY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 10, 28 August 1911, Page 5

ANOTHER BID FOR LIBERTY.

POWELKA ESCAPES AGAIN. THE WORK OF AN ACCOMPLICE. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, August 27. Joseph Powelka, tiie notorious man who was sentenced to twenty-one years’ imprisonment for burglaries and arson in Palmerston and district, made his second escape from the Wellington Terrace Gaol early this morning, come time between 4 and G o’clock. Powelka bodily forced a small grating out of his cell. The grating opened into the yard, and, favoured by the darkness, the prisoner got clear away. Later, a milkman reported having seen a man in white running near Kelburne powerhouse towards the Botanical Gardens. Over sixty oolice 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 Powclka, hurrying along a Hutt by-street in the direction of the Wainui bush.

It is stated that the grating was screwed on from the outside, and the screws had been removed and tee holes filled with putty, so that all Powelka had to do was to force the grating through at a convenient moment. It has been raining all day. Palmerston North, August 27. The announcement of Powelka’s escape caused considerable interest hero. His wife and child are still residing in the district, and it is thought he will make for here.