Arrest of a Burglar.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1876, 27 August 1886, Page 2

Arrest of a Burglar.

On Wednesday last on the arrival of the 11 o’clock train from Wellington at Feathorston Constable T. G. Smith and Detective Campbell were in attendance at the station, evidently expecting some one. Not to be too conspicuous on the platform the Detective and the Constable retired into the Telegraph and Post Cilice. As the train approached the station Constable Smith slipped out from the office and was just in time to clap bis hands upon his man James Mitchell, alias M'Kenzie, and also known by the soubriquet ol ** The Masher." lie was making the remark “it is too cold to stop in this place long," as a heavy shower of sleet was falling at the time, The detective lost no time in adjusting the bracelets, and the prisoner, when he found Imnself at bay. resigned himself to his fate aud was conducted to the Featherrton Police Station. The prisoner when arrested had iu bis band an old sack, inside of which was a carpet bog covered with soft mud, which contained all the stolen property—the jewellery, &e , taken from Mr Freeman’s establishment, Wellington. It is evident from the state ol the carpet bag that it had been buried and recently onearthed, and soma of the watches included in the booty were much damaged, in fact almost rained by the treatment they had undergone since stolen. The prisoner was escorted by Detective Campbell to Wellington by the evening trait. It is abont three weeks ago sines the robbery took place and it is presumed that the police have laid a cleverly conceived trap for the prisoner which has resulted successfully. Mitchell is well known to the police, and is one of the most notorious of his craft in Wellington. lie only came out of gaol on the 23rd of last month, after servirg a sentence of eig'. ,-i;i :;i :hs for assaulting and robbing the cap .. ol the barque Sophia It. Lubrs in ih K o ■. . ra rood.