THE INTRUDER’S GOAT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1920, Page 1

THE INTRUDER’S GOAT

STRUGGLE in a bedroom. WELLINGTON, Dee G. Reports have beeii current that some ohe in Wanganui has been making a practice of visitiiig people’s homes at nights and causing considerable alarm. Early one hiorning last week .a wanderer is reported to have visited a residence at Gonville, where he was seen at a window where a young lady was sleeping, and when the inmates were roused he beat a hasty retreat. About 1.30 oh Sunday morning the residence of Mr Frederick William Payne, about half a mile above Aramoho Bridge, was entered by a Maori named R-angi Henare, aged about 20, who, unfortunately for himself, left his name and address behind, and this led to his arrest. Apparently Rangi was attracted by a light in the window of a room occupied by Mrs Payne, who was indisposed. Her nurse had left a candle burning when she retired at about 1 a.m. Later the latter lady was attracted by someone walking about the house. Getting tip to investigate, she noticed that the candle had been blown out, and saw Rangi Henare endeavourihg to hide in the bedroom.' She immediately called to Mr Payne for assistance, hut before doing so closed the window. The Maori grappled with lier, hut the nurse managed to free herself, and the intruder then jumped over the bed and made good his escape, leaving his coat behind. In a pocket was discovered a letter written in Maori to be delivered to a girl at Pipiriki. The accused man, who was employed oh one of the river steamers, _ left for Pipirki next morning, and on his return to Wahgairtii was arrested. When placed in a yard with some other Maoris for identification purposes Rangi Henare was immediately picked out by the nurse ns the person who was in Mr Payne’s house. Accused was brought before the court charged with breaking and. entering with intent to commit a crime, and on tho application of the police was remanded till Monday next.