BURNT IN EFFIGY.

Evening Star, Issue 4045, 12 February 1876, Page 2 (Supplement)

BURNT IN EFFIGY.

Mi- Eugene J. O'Conor, who wa3 recently defeated for the Buller district, seems for some reason not explained to have been unpopular at the Ahaura. After the election, the bellman of that district paraded the streets and announced that an execution would take place in front of the Star Jlotel at nine o'clock; aud at that hour a assemblage of men, women, and children had gathered together to witness a prodigious effigy, which had previously been suspended by the neck to a tree ; upon the breast was a placard, on which was written in large characters :—" In commemoration of the political death of the once great Eugene J. O'Conor." The scene having become a little animated, a well-known prominent member of the order of St. Boniface made a few very appropriate remarks upon the past career of the once mighty but now fallen one, after which a lighted caudle was applied to the nether garments of the'figure, and a splendid illumination was the result, followed by. a grand display of squibs and Catherine-wheels, during which time the burning effigy was being unmercifully pelted with sticks and stones, until not a trace but the ashes was left. Three groans were then ffiven for Eugene, and all retired mournfully. * " ■