BALLINA TRAGEDY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1818, 26 July 1906, Page 2

BALLINA TRAGEDY

F urther particulars by mail show that though always on good terms' with the ¥• -n famii y, Brown's quarrels with JjiUicK were numerous . On one occasion lie threatened Gillick’s life. Constable lirown, of Wardell, was informed of the episode, and proceeded to German Creek, but it appears the O’Keeffe familylwerc So attached to the lad that they declined’ to give evidence against him. ‘ The old lady would frequently say, “ Leave poor Jack alone There arc many worse boys than him who have fathers.” Mr Timothy O’Keeffe is naturally very much affected. He has almost lost his reason, and still feels the effects of the terrible blow that lie received oil the head, tie said next morning : “ I was surprised Jack attacking me, as we were always i good ffiends. I. used to recognise jack as one of the family. He did his work without one angry word, and seemed o appreciate the kindness we all extended to him. ’

Mis 0 Keefte was about 68 years of age. wfe was slightly his junior. They weie among the earliest residents Of rennan Creek, where they had resided for upwards of 60 years. Patrick Gillick'Kad occn in the employ of the O’Keeffes for A little while ago he won •fcoOOO in one of Tattcrsall’s consultations, ‘Hid removed to Syduev, where ho purcnased an hotel. Luck was against him,' lowcvor, and he lost the money as easily las lie gained it He returned to Ballina wilt imonthsago, and engaged with •vi i. Hood, and subsequently returned 10 Ins former employer, Mr O'Keeffe, whom he respected, and fav whom his ■’CM ices ivere valued. Mr and Mrs ; '"<;Nc leave a family of throe, the two j : M " ' ; and Mm M.allon, of . ‘ing boat Cooeo. which j' .\ . 1 " cuei Harbor on Saturday II ‘ ”V :: y'i witli a u;isadventureq,t ' ' ■■y-ag m Uierailway bridge. It was . ” ’ Ll c '-C maiiujiivre round a scow ymg athu-art of the gap, and as there was a stroi'm it U V? ? llold a c ? urse against against 0 t-hS tld ° hbc ', Vas dnven violently a a .unst the corner pile, with the result that six of her planks were stove in below he waterline. Her crew and volunteer ' Sr'l T ml 'T d to u tow llcr shallow ’ \\ atci before she failed, and, having been temporarily patchod up, she was brnnoh* to the Town Wharf Iwt Light, ° sbt