ATTEMPT TO BREAK OUT OF TOOWOOMBA GAOL.-
On Monday night last, George Johnson, who was confined on suspicion of stealing watches, managed, with grease he had saved during the previous few days, and some matches, to set fire to the cell in which he was confined. He placed the grease in the cavity in which was the bolt of the door, and, with great perseverance, continued his task until the piece was burned out, by which means he was enabled to open the door. There were eight other prisoners in the same cell, none of whom, however, left it. It was stated by the other prisoners that he got out of the cell about four o’clock in the morning. The burning of the door being completely inside would have been very likely to have been unperceived by any officer on duty, unless he came close, or nearly so, to the spot.
Mr. Murphy discovered the occurrence about six o’clock in the morning, and immediate search was made after the missing man, the police scouring the hills and gullies around Toowoomba unsuccessfully. Mr. Murphy returned to the gaol about nine and being at a loss to discover how the prisoner could get over the wall, determined on thoroughly searching the premises again. In going round the store yard he fancied the drop of the scaffold appeared to have been moved. He took a close look around and discovered something underneath it, which, on further examination, proved to be the prisoner they had been so anxiously searching for during the previous three hours. The strong arm of the gaoler quickly grasped the delinquent, drew him from his hiding-place, where he had been lying like a packed herring, and immediately placed him in a more secure cell than he had previously occupied. The prisoner, no doubt, intended to lie quiet all day, and attempt to break through the brick wall of the enclosure, by means of one half of a large pair of scissors, which was found in his possession. Unless caught in the act he would no doubt have been enabled to do this, as the bricks of which the wall is composed are none of the best – being very soft.
The prisoner Johnson has effected his escape on three occasions from different lock-ups in the colony, so that more than ordinary vigilance is required to keep him in close quarters.- Toowoomba Chronicle.
Moreton Bay and More 