DREADFUL MURDER IN TASMANIA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3667, 16 April 1883, Page 4

DREADFUL MURDER IN TASMANIA.

The Launceston Examiner says a brutal murder was committed on February 17, on the Barton estate, on the river Iris, some 1. miles from Campbell Toavu. The following narrative is from a correspondent: — " A groom named Connolly, in the service of Mrs Gatonby, of Barton, used on Saturday night insulting language towards Mrs Gatenby's female servant, and on Mrs Gatenby reproving him, locked Mrs Gatenby and the Misses Gatenby in a room and proceeded further to annoy the youngwoman. Miss Gatenby got out of the room, and gave information to Constable Thompson, the policeman slationed at, Barton, who, coming back with her to the house, interfered on behalf of the girl, and endeaA'ored to arrest the groom. The groom, however, picked up an axe, and striking Thompson, brol.o his thigh in two places." Not satisfied Avith thii, he dr.! the constable outside and battered his Load with an axe in a most brutal manner, and dragged him round the yard. He then rang for some minutes a large bell which is used for collecting the servants on tlie

estate, and this wanton bravado tended to his immediate capture, for Mr John Gatenby, of Bicton, and tlie men on the estate round, hearing tho sound at such an unusual hour, made all possible speed to Barton House, AA-heve they arrived just in timo to prevent the groom breaking into the house, in Avhieh there Avere oidy ladies, he having previously destroyed Avhatcver came in his v,-ay, threatening the terrified inmates of the "house with instant murder. Ou seeing the iicav comers he lifted the axe and defied eve .one to capture him or approach the body of the murdered man. One of Mr Oatcnbv's men, hoAvever, obtained a gnu and advanced toAvards the groom, and Avhilst the latter Avas attempting to use the axe, he shot him iv the arm aud breast, Avouuding him seA-erely, aud the others coming up he Avas handcuffed and secured. Attention avus then turned to the constable, but life Ava.s almost extinct, he haAing been treated in such a barbarous manner that his hat ay.'i- mingled with his brains, and ho expired shortly after at Barton House, into which he had been conveyed after liisyescuo from the groom. Great regret is experienced by all who kncAv Thompson, as he Avas much'respected for his a liability and diligence in the execution of his duty. The groom Avas taken to Campbell Town by tAvo policemen avlio had been sent for, and is attended by Dr Naylor.