THE OUTLAW POWELKA.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12766, 12 April 1910, Page 2

THE OUTLAW POWELKA.

SERGEANT MAGUIRE DANGER-

OUSLY WOUNDED

INTENSE EXCITEMENT,

PEOPLE AROUSED

[United Fbess Association. J

Palmerston North, ApirHl

Last night was passed iv incense excitement at ■ Palmerston Worth. The police, after many false alarms, got into* grips with Powelua, and Sergeant "Maguire was badly wounded by the escaped desperado, being noiv in the Palmerston- Hospital. Powelka, however,- again escaped. The police had received information from Mr Hainpdon, manager of Mr Banks' butchery, of suspicious circumstances, at liis residence, Ferguson' street. A wire s had. been stretched across tlie pathway 'close to the ground, obviously as a trap to trip up someone. Last night Mr Hampdou had also heard that a man had jumped the fence into his garden, lie immediately supplied information, to tlie police, and Sergeant Maguire, Detectives Quartermain, and Siddells, and a constable surrounded the house. The night was pitch dark,and Sergeant Maguire' wont round the house and confronted a man whom he. recognised as Powelka. Sergeant Maguire gripped the man, and a desperate struggle ensued. Powelka evidently determined to evade capture at all costs, wrestled violently, breaking away as he and the Sergeant fought and fell to tho ground. Powelka then shot his captor in the stomach. " .

The unfortunate police officer must then have released his hold, for when the othor members of the force closed up .Powelka had escaped. Detectivo Quartermain, who was the firsfc to arrive, sent two shots after the fugitive apparently without effect. ..Sergeant Maguire was taken to the Hospital, and it is" feared that he is badly hurt. Palmerston-is now thoroughly aroused and civilians have turned out in scores. At 2 a.m. the. whole block in which Powelka is supposed to be hiding was surrounded, and police and public aro waiting for daylight to continue the search.

Later.

The police, assisted by several citizens, continued the search for Powelka.this morning', but so far without result. The wholo. of the outskirts of thetown have been patrolled, and the paddocks and lagoon beaten ; but the fugitive has disappeared most completely. Inspector Wilson took charge of the operations to-day, and Inspector Ellison arrives this afternoon to assist.

' This afternoon the present party are out searching, and will be augmented by a force of "Territorials" .under local officers, and also it is quite possible that the residents will form a Vigilance Committee. Several public institutions are being watched at night,, including the- grandstand at Awapuni. The latest bulletin regarding Sergeant Maguire is that he is in a mosfc critical ' condition . The bullet entered, the stomach on the right side, just below the liver, and penetrated the stomach and bowels, severely lascerating them. The latest report is that Powelka was seen this afternoon in the grounds attached to the Governor's late residence at Hokowhitu, and a posse of police, together with armed civilians, have left for the scene.

Wellington, April 11

Tho Government has decided to increase the reward for the 'capture oi Powelka from £50 to £100.