DIABOLICAL OUTRAGE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2426, 14 January 1882, Page 3

DIABOLICAL OUTRAGE.

GEE AT EXCITEMENT AT KAIAPOI. THE OFFENDER FOLLOWED AND CAPTURED. At a late hour last night the usually quiet town of Kaiapoi was thrown into a state of the wildest excitement in reference to a very determined and brutal outrage upon a child of tender years, the daughter of one of the most respected residents, a gentleman in business as a wholesale merchant. The two members of the police force, as well as the principal part of the male population, were soon particularly active and persistent in their efforts for several hours in searching for the perpetrator of the foul crime, a d after daybreak this morning the offender was arrested between Mandeville and Ohoka, and speedily lodged in durance vile. Tbe facts of the case may be briefly stated as follows:—About 8 n.m. information waa given to the police ana neighbors that tbe victim, a little girl, about eight years old, residing with her parents in Sewell street, wes missing, and search was at once instituted. As enquiries proceeded, it transpired that some man bad given her and a little brother some lollies, and asked her to show him the way to Mr Horse’s. It appeared she had done so, and then for a time trace wrj lost. About one hundred persons mustered, and began a regular search Jin various directions. One party, with a lantern, which went along the scrub on the river side near the morgue, at about 10.15 found the object of tbe search in an almost insensible condition among the scrub. An examination showed a severe bruise on her head and scratches and braises on her mouth, as well as disclosed the horrible fact that the child had been foully outraged. The excitement n this became known reached fever pitch, and immediately a meeting was held at which it was decided to act under the direction of Sergeant Gilbert and Mr James Hurse, J.P. Parties were formed to search, while others were despatched on horseback along the various roads, in quest of the offender, and the whole town seemed to be on tbe alerj. Information was gleaned ; i reference to a probable offender, which for a time delayed the matter, and the girl failed to recognise the man when placed before her. Subsequently, towards 12 30 p.m., a better clue was obtained. It was stated that a man named “ Bill the Barman,” whose other name is William Hart, had been seen about without a coat and wearing a black hat. It was found that he had asked another little girl to show him a house, but, as the child did not know who he meant, she did not do so. It was next said be had come in from Eyreton with some machinery for repairs, and forthwith eveiy person who was at all likely to repair machinery was roused, but with the result that, after an hour’s delay, the informal-on w ■ given up as probably false. Meanwhile every garden, outhouse, and hiding place was being thoroughly searched for Hart. About 1.30 Mr Hurse, Sergeant Gilbert, and Mr T. Wilson obtained a buggy at Moran’s stables, and proceeded to the house occupied by Herb and his mistress near Ohoka. The sergeant went to the house, and, after knocking for some time. Hart answered, and after a prrley opened the door. In reply to questions, he contradicted himself once or twice as to his movements daring the day j the t:rgeant obtained his trousers end drawers, which were wet in the legs and stained v. Ith blood. Hart’s boots were also muddy with river mud. Mr Hurse, who had found a black hat near the river >u Keiapoi, a'so obtained pretty eatisfactory evidence from the woman who resides with Hart that it hr I been worn by the accused. Hart was arrested, and on being brought to the buggy, round which there were about four horsemen, remarked that they must have been after the Kelly gang. The party returned to Kaiapoi lock-up with the prisoner at 5 a.m. to-day, at which hour the persons who had gone out in search were called in. The accneed was placed in the cell before any demonstration could be made, and fortunately threats of summary justice which had been made during the evening could not be put into force. It is said the accused had been drinking in town during the afternoon, and can be identified by a strap on one arm, tato marks, and his dress. He is a short man, and not very prepossessing in appearance. Some years ago ho was barman in Shearman’s Hotel, Ashburton, and was one of tbe barmen at Burnip’s booth at the Ohoka sports, and is nretty well known. The greatest praise is due to the activity of the police and tbe exertions of Mr Hurse, as well as the number of volunteers who took part in the search. Tbe accused was brought up at the Kaiapoi Court to-day and remanded till Monday.