THE GREAT BARRIER TRAGEDY!

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1403, 10 November 1886, Page 3

THE GREAT BARRIER TRAGEDY!

Auckland, November 10. The Gnat Barrier murder enquiry was resumed at the Police Court thisnvTntng »>yd«ey Wrightman, Surveyor, dep ’seo to making a drawing and plans of the t home and surroundings, as formerly . occupied by Taylor. Mrs Taylor, wife of the murdered man, said that on the morning of the 19th they , bsd just got out of bed when Penn came t along the beach to >he house. He said he was from the cutter Teviot and wanted batter. Witness a; d her bus bard were going for the butter when Caff ey sprang in with a revolver in ea.,h hand and shouted “ Hold your hands up, Taylor ”. He repeated Hu words three limes, ihen presented a revolver and fired. Penn had sst down and till then bad kept b >'h hands in his coat pockets Taylor called out, “ Oh, Johnny, dot t sh ot me.” That was hefo e the shot was fired. Witness heard three sho's fired one after another, and her hu-band then ran into the bedroom and closed the door behind him. Caff.ey rushed up to the door and burst it open, Ponn following him. Witness was rushing about the kitchen screaming and went to t'>e door to see if any one was about. She heard one more shot fired, apparently in the bedroom. She ran in and saw Penn with his left arm around her husband’s neck. Penn pointed a revolver at her wi‘h his right band to prevent her going further. She did not observe Cafffey at that time and cou’d not say whether Taylor was alive or dead. Witness ran out when Penn pointed the revolver at her and ran in the direction of stock - yard. Pt-nn followed, c.ver-took her and told her to stop, saying “ If you don’t stop I’.l blew your brains out.” He had a revolver pointed at her and she clasped her hands and prayed him not to shoot her. _____________