THE KIND OF SPAIN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2204, 30 May 1908, Page 3

THE KIND OF SPAIN.

MEASURES FOR PROTECTION.

King Allonso’s perilous visit to Barcelona- in March (says “M.A.P.”) was rendered as secure as possible by tho vigilance of one of England’s greatest detectives, Chief Detectiveinspector Arrow, who was associated with iScotland Yard for over a quinter of a century. Inspector Arrow has had many remarkable adventures us a detective, and the story of his life would provide material for many novels. He retired from Scotland Yard last year, in order to organise a special secret police service in Barcelona, which is a hot-bed of anarchism. The bomb-throwing gentry of Barcelona violently resented Mr Arrow’s appointment, and his life has been repeatedly threatened during the last six months. The famous detective is not easily disturbed, but lie admits himself that it is “a dangerous job.” “Nevertheless,” lie 6ays. “I am determined to see the thing through.” King Alfonso, who has a profound admiration for English police methods, is giving Mr Arrow a salary of £I,OOO a year and a, free hand.

Inspector Arrow is a handsome, dis-tinguished-looking man, with a dark, rugged face, eyes like a hawk’s, and a curled, irongrey moustache. Ho was a schoolmaster before he went to iScotland Yard, where his remarkable talents quickly earned him promotion. lie is a master of subterfuge, as the following shows: —He had to raid a West-end club, and, knowing how difficult it would be to force an entrance in the ordinary way, ho took with him a large furniture van full of policemen. This drew up outside the house, whereupon three men, dressed as upholsterers’ workmen, got down and began tinkering with the wheels; as if something had gone wrong. Tlio result was that in a very short time the club doors were opened, and some inquisitive person came out. .The police then made a rush, ami were quickly masters of the situation.

Queen Alexandra personally-thank-ed-.Mr Arrow a few years ago for his work in connection with the alleged misappropriation of a public charity in which Her Majesty had interested herself. He also ; distinguished himself in investigating tho loss of the Nelson relics, which were mysteriously stolen from the Painted Hall, Greenwich, in December, 1900. It was not till four years afterwards that Mr Arrow obtained a clue. A man who called at the-Yard to make some inquiries about the relics was interviewed by Mr Arrow, wlio promptly arrested him on suspicion. The man was found to have landed from Australia on the previous day, and in his luggage was a harmless-looking concertina. Although it played tunes, Air Arrow took it to pieces, to find Nelson’s watch concealed inside. The priceless relics were restored, and Air Arrow received the personal thanks of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.