AN INFAMOUS WRETCH.

Dunstan Times, Issue 732, 28 April 1876, Page 4

AN INFAMOUS WRETCH.

o The Sandhurst correspondent of the Melbourne Argus writes :—“ I have been enabled to gather some further •particulars in connection with the case of Duffus, who was arrested at Goornong, on the charge of having on the 17 th of February criminally assaulted his own daughter, under the age of twelve years. It seems that the prisoners’ career has been one of crime before and since lie came to the Colony. Duffus, who is now about fifty years of age, was some years ago in the service of Lord Clifford, county mea*h, Ireland, as gamekeeper, or something of the sort, and was transported to Australia for shooting at and killing a land-bailiff. His incestuous relations with his off-spring seem to have commenced a long time back. His eldest daughter is said to be twenty-two years of age, and she, some years ago, was confined of a child, which is still living, of which the prisoner, her father, is the reputed parent. The next daughter is fifteen years of age, and her confinement is expected to take place shortly, and in this case also the child’s pregnancy is attributed to her father. In the case of the child whom Duffus is alleged to have criminally assaulted on the 17tli of February, and who will be twelve years of ago in July next, it is affirmed by the unfortunate girl that the abominable conduct of her father has been continually carried on for a period of over four years, and the opinion of the medical gentleman who has examined her goes far, it is said, to confirm her allegation. Of course general readers will indignantly exclaim that the circumstances of the case should have been brought to light long ago, and the diabolical conduct of the prisoner punished as it deserved ; but then the isolated condition of the family, and the thorough control which the father, undoubtedly, exorcised over all the members of it, will at once explain why his course was not arrested until now. The prisoner’s wife, however, gave information to the police, who lost no time in obtaining and executing the warrant.

An unsatisfactory meal a domestic broil. An attached couple—the shells of an oyster. The boat comforter fur bachelors—a good wife. “ Don’t come to see me any more just yet, John. Father has been having his boots half-soled, with two rows of nails around the toes.”