NIGHT PROWLER

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1931, Page 5

NIGHT PROWLER

PROPERTY DESTROYED.

POLICE AND RESIDENTS BAFFLED

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON,- December 2.

Property destruction, and the killing of animn hr by an unknown night prowler, is , still reported *it-intervals in the township of Purapgraumu. Despite thp efforts of the police and residents, the mystery, already of several years’ standing, remains unsolved. It is not long ago that a fowlyard was entered, and a number of birds killed, and hanged by their necks in a row on a cloths line.

A pig was killed one still night within a short distance of several homes. This incident supports the local theory that the prowler is,a person such as a trapper,. experienced in rapid despatching of animals, because it is difficult ter kill a. pig silently. -d, ; 1 ; ■ One mornng a dog was found hanging with a-'wire twisted about' its neck. Another 1 night a haystack was set, afire, while nofi long ,ago a glasshouse's waabi entered, and pla'nts killed: with a poisonous spray. . -t -V;; :V. r ‘ •" ' j/:'.' [

It is reported' that an elderly man, living alone, was attacked in his cottage. The intruder blew out the light when ( the occupant showed, fight, the attacker departed as silently as he had come.

A 1 viligance committee was formed, -amE patrols- organised, * 1 "btit* tiffs proved ineffective, and the committee was disbanded. . . ,