The Escaped Convicts.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXIX, Issue 9295, 10 March 1899, Page 3

The Escaped Convicts.

(Per Press Association.)

~ , ~ Wellington, March 9. After a search of Bome 20 hours, the police gave up the attempt to capture three escapees from New. Caledonia who were known to be on board-the steamer Rippingham Grange. The vessel resumed her voyage this after noon. That, they were on board is: freely admitted, and that they were on deck when the police boat approached the vessel last night is also mentioned, and it was the uniform of the constable thai gave the men the first , suspicion that it might be they who were wanted, hence their vanishing. The police have had an arduous task in attempting to discover their men, and although the officers were given every assistance, there is no doubt that some of the members of the crew are in league with the escapees. ■ Several theories i were put forth as to the landing place, . bui these count for little in the face of the fact chat the police bunted the ship from stem to stern, and are confident the men are in some place inaccessible except to those who arranged it. _ The French Consul expresses his satisfaction with the steps taken by the police to arrest the prisoners and the assistance rendered by the Union Company, Captain Bennett, of the Rippingham Grance, stated that before leaving he would' hand over the escapees to thfe authorities at the next port of call should he secure them, and promised if they put in an appearance within a reasoia'ile distance of this port he would have them seized and then returned. -