The Dynamite Plot
Great Seizure of Explosives
Arrests in London and Birmingham
Startling Revelations
Yesterday morning the Birmingham police made an important seizure of explosives and unearthed what might prove to be a conspiracy connected with the recent Fenian attempts to destroy public buildings. About two months ago a respectably dressed young man giving the name of A. G. WHITEHEAD took a shop in Ledsham St, near the Mount Pleasant public house and started ostensibly as a paperhanger and oilseller. He took lodgings next door at the house of Mrs POINTON where he had his meals and slept, and conducted himself, as his Landlady said, "in a quiet and gentlemanly manner". According to the testimony of persons in the locality, he does not seem to have disposed of more than a few shillings worth of stock during the time he occupied the shop. What at last attracted suspicion was the large consignments of chemicals, of no use in the paperhanging trade, and which were stowed away in the back compartments of the shop out of sight. Within the last few days the premises was closely watched, and yesterday morning two detectives paid a visit to his lodgings next door. WHITEHEAD got up immediately and on going into the street was arrested by the officers. An examination of the premises was then made, resulting in some very suspicious revelations, the front of the shop contained some paltry stock of wall paper and cans of oil, mostly common oil, but two cans of glycerine. In the back room were 11 great jars of chemicals and a number of cans, in the back-kitchen, things bore a still more suspicious aspect. The ordinary washing furnace was filled with several gallons of a liquid preparation and to carry away the fumes a flue was connected to the chimney. Near the furnace were lying a thermometer and other chemical apparatus. There were several jars of oil and acid in the kitchen, two labelled sulphuric acid. The place was immediately taken possession of by the police and the strictest secrecy was observed. The place was ransacked for documents which would throw light on WHITHEAD'S operations but none were found, WHITEHEAD seems to have done his work with remarkable circumspection. No one in the neighbourhood had the slightest suspicion of him, only on one occasion was any smell perceived from the premises, this was some days ago when Mrs POINTON remarked upon it to him and he replied he was only boiling some oils.
It is supposed by the police that the paperhanging business was simply, "a blind" to conceal the operations at the back of the premises. Dr HILL was sent for and he immediately took some samples for analysis. The police are hopeful before long of tracing the prisoner's dealings with other men in different parts of the country.
The Landlady Mrs POINTON made a statement to the police and stated the prisoner had lodged with her about 2mths, he seemed respectable and was well dressed. She thought he had quarrelled with his parents and had decided to start a business on his own account. He kept good hours getting in about eight. He went to his shop early and came in for breakfast about half past eight, then he would go back to his shop and have his dinner about one, then work till the evening. He was very close and would only speak to the children, she never saw any letters pass, nor was he ever in the company of any men, and never received visitors to the shop.
The Chief of police, Mr FARNDALE, on being interviewed after the arrest said, "We have been on the look out for some time now, and first got information of the affair from rumours circulating in the neighbourhood. He was elusive in what he had to say, to avoid giving too much information. He did say that the man came to Birmingham a stranger, about two months ago, and was carrying on business as a paperhanger, but that this was a blind, he was actively engaged in manufacturing explosives in his back premises. Superintendent ROBINSON, Chief Inspector BLACK and Sergeant PRICE of the detective department, and myself went to the place, took the man into custody, and took charge of the explosive already manufactured and that in course of manufacture. He was not in a position to say what the magnitude of the affair was, nor could he give any details, for fear of imperilling further investigation.
Dr HILL on his visit to the premises found about 14 "carboys" which hold between 8 or 10 gals of sulphuric acid, and a great number of tin cans containing pure glycerine, a considerable quantity, there was also cans and bottles in which sulphuric and nitric acid had been mixed. If there could have been any doubt in the mind of Dr HILL, it was removed, by the discovery of a large vessel containing 8 to 10 gals of liquid which proved to be nitro-glycerine
From inquiries made some interesting particulars are obtained on WHITEHEAD'S movements during his stay in the neighbourhood. He never attended a theatre or place of amusement, and was very careful to display a Church of England Prayer Book, which he read occasionally in the evening. Mrs POINTON took the prayer book and found an inscription, "Albert G. WHITEHEAD, Devonport" He attended a place of worship punctually every Sunday. He was not a teetotaller, but allowed himself one glass of beer at supper or dinner. On one occasion when he was reading out a paragraph from a newspaper Mrs POINTON remarked that his accent wasn't English, "No, it is a Devonshire accent, I come from there" Her suspicion was aroused last Sunday evening when she saw detectives in front of the shop, and said to WHITEHEAD, "I wonder what those detectives want", he made no reply and turned deathly pale. The police are strongly of the opinion that WHITEHEAD is an assumed name and that he is an Irish-American
The prisoner before the magistrates
At 2.30pm the prisoner was brought before the dock, the magistrates before the dock were Mr KYNNERSLEY and Mr DEYKIN. With the exception of the reporters and a few privileged persons there was no other person in court.
Chief Superintendent FARNDALE addressed the bench, stating this Albert George WHITHEAD, has been apprehended on a charge under the 24th and 25th Vic, c. 97, section 54, charged with manufacturing and being in possession of an explosive substance, namely, nitro-glycerine, with intent to commit a felony. He then gave details which led to the arrest of WHITHEAD [as above] and adding that on Wednesday afternoon a man was seen to leave the premises of the prisoner taking a box evidently containing something of a considerable weight. The detective who was watching followed him to New St, Station, finding he took a ticket to London the detective followed and we wired the London police to meet him at the station, they apprehended that man in London and found that he had in his possession a case of nitro-glycerine. Finding that this man had been taken into custody in London we went to the prisoner's house and found a large quantity of chemicals there, which Dr HILL has brought away and has since informed me that he is satisfied it is also nitro-glycerine.
Mr FARNDALE applied for the prisoner to be remanded for one week, he had received a telegram from the Home Secretary directing that the prisoner be brought before the magistrates and remanded for a week, the prisoner was accordingly remanded.
The seizures and arrests in London
Late on Wednesday night a man was arrested by two English officers and two Irish detectives, and a travelling box was found in his possession the box and contents were forwarded to Woolwich for examination, and in the meantime the man was detained at Bow St. It would appear from information obtained that on Wednesday an elderly man called at Delamotte's private hotel, Southampton St, Strand an establishment of the highest respectability and stated he wished to engage apartments for a young gentleman who was a medical student, who was about to walk the metropolitan hospitals, it was agreed that the intended tenant, whose name was said to be ORMOND, should be accommodated with a room. Shortly after 8.30pm a four-wheel cab drove up to the door of the hotel, and upon the fare alighting he asked for Mr ORMOND'S room, his only luggage a small wooden box having across it three bands of iron and two locks. It appeared extremely heavy and was carried upstairs by a man whose appearance was not that of an ordinary street "loafer" and who is believed to be an accomplice of the suspected man. The box having been put in ORMOND'S room he remained there until midnight when he was arrested by two detectives from Scotland Yard, assisted by several of the Irish police now stationed in London
Mrs DELAMOTTE the proprietress of the hotel states she never saw ORMOND or the person who engaged the room before, there is no doubt the quietness and respectability of the house induced the suspects to select it as a base for operations. It is believed the man who hired the room for ORMOND can be identified and Miss DELAMOTTE, the only person with whom he conversed has been sent for by Scotland Yard. The substance contained in the box was not dynamite but another explosive of a most destructive character.
It was afterwards ascertained that the man who had been arrested came from Birmingham, his name as signed in the hotel book, is, "V. J. NORMAN" but he himself stated it to be William John NORMAN. The box in which the explosive was contained weighed one and a half cwt. The man arrested, is supposed from his accent to have been of Irish nationality, he was arrested in bed.
Last Saturday afternoon a man who gave the name of WILSON drove up in a hansom cab to the shop of Mr H. KOURATH, a baker, of 185 Blackfriars Rd. The shop occupies the corner of a thoroughfare leading into Nelson Square, the houses in which are chiefly let in furnished tenements. Mr KOURATH was away on business Mrs KOURATH was attending to customers. In answer to enquiries by the stranger, Mrs KOURATH stated that she understood there were apartments to let at 18 Nelson Square, and as WILSON stated he was desirous of securing some quiet, respectable lodgings, she advised him to call upon the landlady at No 18. The man returned to the hansom which was waiting, arriving at No 18 he alighted and knocked at the door. The landlady noticing that he was exceedingly well dressed expressed her regret that she could not accommodate him, so the stranger proceeded next door No 17. The landlady Mrs CLAIR, accepted him as a lodger on the understanding that he came on the reference of a neighbour Mrs KONRATH, which she believes now to be untrue. Every effort was made to induce Mrs CLAIR to give further information on her lodger, but she persistently declined to, with the remark, "I shall say nothing, I had better say nothing at present."
The arrest appeared to have been cleverly arranged, abbot 3pm on Wednesday a hansom and three four-wheelers drove up containing a gentlemanly individual wearing a dark moustache and another, a tall fair man. It is conjectured that the police received certain information which led them to suppose that WILSON and his friend were concerned in the Fenian conspiracy and with W. J. NORMAN who was arrested in the Strand on Wednesday. They therefore made a descent and apprehended both. One portmanteau and other luggage which had arrived since Saturday, were secured and the police with their prisoners drove to Scotland Yard, here both men were scrutinised and subsequently conveyed to Bow St. One of the boxes seized is said to contain dynamite, and a number of important papers were found. Two constables were on duty at Nelson Square immediately after the arrest, there was considerable excitement in Southwark when the rumour of the arrest spread.
The police are reticent in reference to the circumstances of the arrest, it appears, however, that the premises have been under police supervision since the arrival of the prisoners in London, and the connection between the Nelson Square rendezvous and the Birmingham distillery is clearly established by the evidence in possession of the authorities. The quantity of explosive seized in London, in addition to several gallons of nitro-glycerine there is a quantity of dynamite. The nitro-glycerine resembles in every respect that seized in Birmingham and the dynamite exactly similar to that found in possession of the man NORMAN, apprehended in Southampton St, Strand. It is believed by the officials at Scotland Yard that the distillery at Birmingham is only a type of series of centres of conspiracy which have been established throughout the country, with the object of striking terror into the Government by their extensive and fatal ramifications. It is also understood that evidence will be forthcoming to connect the supposed conspirators now in custody with the illegal brotherhood to which the men awaiting trial at Dublin belonged. There is little doubt that the dynamite used with such powerful effect against the offices of the Local Government Board was manufactured at one of the distilleries set up under the auspices of this association. The great reinforcements recently made in the constabulary and military force employed in the protection of the metropolis are accounted for mainly by the fact that the Government had discovered the existence of the Birmingham factory. The secrecy maintained with regard to this knowledge was necessary to probe the matter to the bottom. The police hoped to discover the missing links which should complete the chain of evidence, laying the responsibility for the Charles St explosion upon the newly traced invincibles. This has not yet been done, and it is feared that the crime in question will never be brought home to the culprits. The police are, however, sufficiently cognisant of the movements of the supposed conspirators to prepare a good case without the aid of this evidence, and it is by concerted action that the arrests were made in London and Birmingham on the same day.
Liverpool Mercury April 7th, 1883
The Dynamite Plot
Additional arrest
In addition to the discoveries and arrests in London and Birmingham, Scotland Yard have succeeded in making another capture in another direction, one which is hoped to unmask the workings of the Fenian conspiracy in the metropolis. A detective-sergeant belonging to the Criminal Investigation Department has been engaged for several days making certain inquiries in London. Shortly before 6 o'clock two detectives proceeded to Bowles American Reading Rooms, which occupy the upper floor of No 14 Strand. There they found a man whose name is stated to be DALTON, and at their request he accompanied them to Scotland Yard. He appeared very pale and agitated and is described as being American, of slight build, about 5ft 4ins in height, clean shaven with a small dark moustache. He wore a brown overcoat, low round black felt hat, his feet were well shod, his appearance that of a well-to-do working man. He was detained at Scotland Yard for several hours, and expressed the wish for his luggage to be sent for, it was accordingly brought. It was a black bag with a lock and seemed heavy to life, also a package wrapped in brown paper. It was not until DALTON had been closely questioned and the contents of his luggage examined that the opinion was confidently entertained that the man under detention had been concerned as a principal in the Charles St outrage. The police attach very great importance to the event, and declare their conviction that they have the means of tracing the conspiracy throughout its ramifications.
The prisoner WHITEHEAD
In WHITEHEAD'S bedroom a linen collar has been found which bears the inscription, "Madison New York" on it. In the prisoner's portmanteau £11 was found, the police have seized the portmanteau which very likely contains some documents. Since he has been in jail he has uttered several threats that he will find means to escape, on one occasion exclaiming, "Well I have got some friends in Birmingham and we'll see if I cannot get away". To provide against any attempts at rescue the borough jail is strongly guarded by plain-clothes officers armed with revolvers. Over 100 officers many armed are on special duty to provide against any Fenian attack. The prisoner has shown great bravado and spends much of his time singing Irish national songs, his favourite ditty, "I'll upset the British, and I'll die for old Ireland I will" According to the rules of the prison he was asked to state his religion, whereupon he jocularly replied, "Well I am any religion" The warder rejoined that he must be more explicit he might wish to attend the Roman Catholic or the Church of England services in the prison on Sunday "Well then, put me down a High Churchman" said the supposed invincible, but suddenly withdrew his remark saying he would not be tried for his religion, he would take until Sunday to think about the matter.
Such stringent precautions against the release of a prisoner whilst being conducted from the police court to the prison have never been previously taken. To provide against the mistake which took place at the murder of Sergeant BRETT at Manchester, armed mounted police preceded as well as followed the van. There was no other prisoner in the van, but the vehicle was lined with police officers with revolvers. An extraordinary incident has been revealed in connection with the nocturnal visits of the police to the prisoners infernal distillery. Two detectives who had obtained admission with skeleton keys, took off their boots to prevent being heard by the prisoner, and while examining the laboratory trod upon some powerful acid spilt on the floor and severely blistered their feet. On one occasion a slight accident nearly frustrated their whole scheme, Detective-sergeant PRICE breaking a window as he was groping around in the dark. The prisoner, who was sleeping overhead next door, was fortunately not disturbed.
The arrest of WILSON in London was procured in a very singular manner, it was known to the chief of Birmingham police that WILSON had, had a conference with WHITEHEAD at the Midland Hotel, Birmingham, and that he had left for London a short time before the departure of the man who was arrested in London with the dynamite in his possession. When WHITEHEAD was searched, however, in Birmingham, a letter which he had apparently neglected to post addressed to WILSON was found in his pocket. The Birmingham police immediately telegraphed to Scotland Yard, and two hours afterwards WILSON was in custody in London.
The London prisoners charged
At Bow St before Sir James INGHAM, Dr Thomas GALLAGHER, aged 33, William James NORMAN, aged 22, Henry Hayward WILSON, aged 22, and Henry DALTON, whose real name is said to be John O'CONNOR were charged, the three first with being in possession of explosive substances with intent to commit a felony, and DALTON with being concerned with them for the same purpose. Mr POLAND prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury and Mr WILLIAMSON watched the case for the police, a large number of the Irish officers who traced Thomas WALSH also being present. The prisoner NORMAN was defended by Mr W. Doveton SMITH.
John LANGRISH, inspector, Criminal Investigation Department, deposed that from the instructions received on the 4th inst, he went with Inspector MATTEY, to the Euston terminus and saw the prisoner NORMAN arrive by the 9.5 train from Birmingham. He took a four-wheeled cab on the top of which was placed a large black box, he followed the cab to Southampton St Strand, the prisoner alighted at the Beaufort Hotel and went inside, with the assistance of another man the box was taken off the cab and into the hotel. The prisoner went into the hotel, then went out but returned soon afterwards. At 12.30 am with the assistance of other officers he gained admission to the prisoner's apartment, they pointed to the box and asked him what it contained. He replied that he could not say what was in the box, all he knew was that he brought it from Birmingham, that he had done it at the request of a gentleman, who paid him for it. He was again asked what it contained, and replied, "I don't know anything at all about it." He then told the prisoner he would charge him with being in possession of the box and not giving a satisfactory account of it. He was then taken to Bow St station and detained. The box was afterwards taken to Woolwich by Inspector MACKIE
The prisoner was searched and on him were found 3 keys, 2 of which opened the locks on the box, a £$ note stamped March 10, 1883, New York, several photographs of himself, a map of London, an envelope bearing the name of Mr GALLAGHER, and printed on it, "American Exchange Europe" and a telegram from FLETCHER, dated from West Strand, April 3, 1883, addressed to "W. NORMAN, Edward's Hotel, Euston Square"
The body of the message ran:-"Call at Charing-cross Hotel, ask for me" The prisoner then said he had been staying at Edward's Hotel, Euston, his portmanteau was there, and if anyone went there they could get it, it was then obtained.
NORMAN subsequently said that Mr FLETCHER had employed him to go to Birmingham and get the box, that FLETCHER met him at Euston, and that he had received the telegram from him. He said he did not know anything about the box, but that he was to go to the hotel where someone would see him next day. He did not say that FLETCHER was a chemist.
Inspector MACKIE deposed to conveying the box to Woolwich and also to going to MORMAN'S lodgings. He confirmed the evidence of the last witness. - Cross-examined, The box was secured with two padlocks
Inspector LITTLECHILD deposed that on Thursday about 1.30, accompanied by other officers went to No 17 Nelson Square, Blackfriars Rd, they went to a back bedroom on the top floor, in answer to a knock WILSON answered. They went into the room and found the prisoner GALLAGHER there also. The witness said they were police officers, and for the present the prisoners were to consider themselves detained until the room had been searched, because they had reason to believe there was a quantity of explosive material there. "The first thing I want to know is what is in the portmanteau [pointing to it]" WILSON said, "You had better look and see" Witness the opened the portmanteau and found in one side of it two indiarubber cases, each about 2ft long filled with something. He said, "As this appears to be the explosive matter you will both be detained until a specific charge is preferred against you late on"
WILSON made no reply but GALLAGHER had asked what he was detained for as he knew nothing of the business and continued, "I only met this young man this morning for the first time" The witness said the fact of his being in the room was sufficient to cause his detention. The portmanteau contained the two cases referred to and three empty large indiarubber bags, which WILSON said were his property. WILSON gave his name as Henry Hayward WILSON, and the other man that of Thomas GALLAGHER, adding "Dr Thomas GALLAGHER, room 312 Charing Cross, Hotel. The portmanteau was handed to Inspector DOWDELL and by him taken to Woolwich. He subsequently searched room 312 Charing Cross, Hotel, and found some correspondence addressed to Dr Thomas GALLAGHER, [two letters produced] GALLAGHER, "May I ask your honour that the letters found not bearing on this case may not be made public ? Sir James INGHAM, "Oh certainly"
The witness continues, "GALLAGHER was searched at Nelson Square and a large sum of money in American and Bank of England notes was found upon him. At the hotel he found several indiarubber bags and two indiarubber wading stockings, similar to those found in the portmanteau in Nelson Square, containing the explosive, also a thermometer produced, and several large indiarubber bags, also a letter for credit of £600 dated, "New York, March 13. 1883".
The Magistrate asked GALLAGHER if he had any questions to put to the witness, GALLAGHER, "No your honour. A bottle found containing nitrate of chloral which I am in the habit of taking. I have been charged with having explosives in my possession. I indiarubber bags are explosives it is something new to chemists. I have no questions to ask the gentleman, who has said what is true."
WILSON had no questions to ask
Witness said there was a bottle of nitrate of chloral in the prisoner's bag.
The prisoners were remanded without bail.
The St Helens arrest, another search
Detectives MARSH and JOHNSTON of Liverpool visited St Helens yesterday and assisted by Inspector WOOD of the local police made another careful; search in C Row where FLANNIGAN lodged prior to his arrest, the out house was inspected but we believe nothing of an important nature was found. In all probability an application for a further remand of FLANNIGAN will be asked for today The arrest of the supposed Fenians in Liverpool
The two supposed Fenians at present in custody at Walton Gaol and who will be brought before Mr RAFFLES at the police court this morning, are the objects of considerable local interest. It is anticipated they will have a legal representative at the trial and that the evidence will be of a character justifying their committal for trial at the assizes
Glasgow and Liverpool seizure
All the police officers and others connected with the inquiries into the attempt to blow up a canal bridge at Glasgow on the 21st January were yesterday interrogated by Procurator-fiscal BROWN, resulting that they have all left for Liverpool. On the evening of the 21st January three men and two women were walking down the bank of the Forth of Clyde Canal, they observed a large oval shaped bonnet box lying on the top of the bridge which crossed the Passil Rd. They gathered around the box when one of the party Adam BARR, a soldier on furlough opened it, it appeared to be filled with brown sand. He put his hand amongst the sand an explosion occurred, inflicting various injuries upon the whole five, but none proved serious. The box was then taken to the police station. The procurator-fiscal takes this box to Liverpool to see whether the contents are like those which were found in possession of the prisoner at Liverpool.
Some particulars about NORMAN
Mr EDWARDS the proprietor of the private hotel 14 Rushton Square, at which NORMAN stayed previous to his arrest stated, that NORMAN came to the hotel on the 22nd March and stayed about 12 days. He appeared quiet and respectable, he had a smattering of the American brogue and it struck me that he came from America. His only luggage was a black portmanteau which remained in his room throughout the time he stayed. After he had been with us a short time we conversed together. I gathered from him he was a Liverpool man, a coachbuilder by trade. Although respectable in appearance he was not an educated man, he said he had been in America and while there built some Hansoms which did not take. A Mr FLETCHER used to call on him, he had visited about a dozen times. FLETCHER so far as I recollect was a tall, strongly built man about 35yrs old. They used to go out but never returned together. NORMAN would go out regularly every day and return at an early hour. This went on till Monday last when he told me he was going to Birmingham to get tools, he said, "I shall pay for the bed whether I come home or not, and I want boots to meet the train tonight, as I shall have some luggage which will be very heavy." At 6.10pm I received a telegram from him, " Mr EDWARDS, I shall not be home this evening" He returned on Tuesday morning, he had no luggage with him. On him entering the hotel I said, "You did not tell me what time to meet the train this morning, so that I could not tell boots" His reply was "Well it did not matter I have only brought a few patterns with me." He went out in the morning and came back for dinner at six. He left after dinner, he had not been out long when FLETCHER called and inquired after him. On being told that he had only just gone out he said, "Oh what a nuisance, I wanted him to go to the theatre with me" FLETCHER added when he was leaving, "Will you tell him when he comes in I have called" I remarked that I was afraid I should be unable to do so, as NORMAN when he went out at that time in the evening, he did not usually return till last thing at night. He had not been gone 10 minutes when NORMAN came back, and on me telling him that FLETCHER had been he appeared very much vexed that he had missed him. During his absence a telegram arrived.
This is the telegram from FLETCHER dated West Strand April 3. 1883, and which asks him to call at the Charing-cross Hotel to see him [FLETCHER]. I gave the telegram to NORMAN when he arrived back, he opened it, read it, and walked out, he came in again about 9 or 10. On Wednesday morning he paid his account and said he was going to leave but would leave his portmanteau at the hotel until night. About 2,45 am on Thursday we were roused by detectives from Scotland Yard who picked up the portmanteau.
Mrs EDWARDS the wife of the proprietor of the hotel described NORMAN as reminding her when she first saw him of "an innocent country boy and very shy", he did not during the time he was at the hotel create suspicion in her mind. He was quiet and well-behaved. On Thursday afternoon she was taken by the detectives to the House of Detention where the prisoners were shown to her in order that she might detect FLETCHER. She was at once recognised by NORMAN, who was alone and seized her hand, and said, "Oh Mrs EDWARDS have you seen FLETCHER ?" To this she replied, "I saw two prisoners in the other room but did not see FLETCHER"
Antecedents of DALTON
Little is known of the prisoner calling himself Henry DALTON, but it is ascertained that his real name is John O'CONNOR. He worked in London as a compositor about 1872 0r 1873, and lived with his parents in a small tenement house in Eden Place. About 10yrs ago he left home to try his fortunes in America and suddenly appeared in Eden Place in February last and appeared in much better circumstances than when he went away, his surroundings were quite out of keeping with the squalor and poverty of the house where his father lived. He at once took up his sheds with his parents and has remained there ever since. His father does not appear to have been aware of his son's dealings in or connections with dangerous explosives and is much concerned. He himself is a hawker, and his wife assists him to eke out a living by going out in the day washing and charing.
Results of police inquiries
It is by no means unlikely that before long further arrests in Birmingham. Further particulars have come to light as to WHITEHEAD'S movements, it appears that late on the night of the 8th February he went to the White Horse Hotel, Congreve St, and told some members of the household that he had come to Birmingham to open a shop, as a painter, house-decorator and paperhanger., he left the hotel the following Sunday saying he had lodgings near to his place of business. He was always well supplied with money, he always offered a sovereign in payment of his account, which he settled daily. On the 9th February he went to the office of Mr DIBBLE to discuss his tenancy, in conversation he told DIBBLE he was a Devonport man, and as DIBBLE was from the same place WHITEHEAD evaded questioned and seemed loath to make any statement about the town.