The Great Barrier Murder

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 52, 12 October 1886, Page 2

The Great Barrier Murder

CAFFKEY'S CONFESSION. fPEB UNITED PBEBB ASSOCIATION.] Auckland, October 8. Caffrey after his arrest in Queens-, land said : — " We cleared out of New Zealand in the cutter Sovereign of the Seas, and made for the coast of America. We encountered some severe gales and had to lay-to for four days. Finding it impossible to reach America, we made for Australia, and after being three months at sea we sighted land near Brisbane. We then, made down coast for Sydney,, but finding it too hot there (meaning to say too many ships about), we then made back for Queensland. The vessel was leaking and was in a sinking state, and we had to make for the shore the best way we could. I succeeded in landing some things in the dingy which we had with us, and then went back to the vessel for Perm and the woman. When landing, . the dingy capsized and threw us into the surf. I was washed ashore, but Perm and the woman was drowned. It being dark at the time, I never caught sight of them after. I remained where I landed until the second day, but could not find any trace of them. It is now between three or four weeks since it happened, and the place was the first point, north of Port Macquarrie. The female was Perm's paramour, and her name was Lizzie Graham, Sho was 20 years of age, and was brought on beard against her will, and on the voyage she fretted very much. We encountered a great many gales, and at one time I would not have given much for our chance. 'Wo sighted several- vessels, but always kept out of their way, and never spoke to a vessel the whole time we were at sea. We had plenty of provisions, but ran short of water, but were successful in catching some from rain that fell. The vessel belongs to Henderson and Spraggan, of Auckland, and I was master of her. The woman has relations in New Zealand, and so has Perm, who is a married man. lam a single man, and a native of New Zealand." At the Police Court Caffrey acknowledged his * guilt, and the correctness of the statement which he had made to Constable May, and which was read in court. The prisoner was then remanded, pending the arrival of a police officer from New Zealand with the necessary extradition uaDers.