THE KAIMATA TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1134, 16 August 1913, Page 3

THE KAIMATA TRAGEDY.

Inglewood, August 14.

Nothing further has transpired in connection with the Kaimata tragedy. Virgin is still missing, but the police, assisted by local residents, are engaged in dragging the Mangonui River in search of the body, as it is generally supposed that he threw himself off the bridge. The river is in flood after the recent heavy rain, and this state greatly hampers operations.

The two children, who mercifully escaped from the scene of the crime, are, happily, not seriously injured, the shock to their nervous systems, however, has been severe. Vernon Julian was h?t over the head, and sustained severe injuries to his forehead and temple, Dorothy Julian was badly bruised on the arms, breast and shoulders by the attack upon herself. The motive of the crime is| of course indefinite, but it is known ever since the exchange of properties Virgin had been dissatisfied with his deal, and even went to the extent of offering Julian to cry the bargain off, an offer which was promptly declined. This appears to have preyed upon his mind, despite the fact that he is reputed to be a man who is worth thousands of pounds. He is described as an unassuming quiet man, and a light drinker, but disposed to suffer from melancholia. An illustration of his habits and his nature is vividly given by a neighbour who states that although they lived practically within a stone's throw of his place he had only been once in their house, and that by special invitation, in three years. Otherwise Virgin was regarded as a quiet and unassuming man, and the very last person with whom tragedy would be associated. He was quite of an unquarrelsom e disposition, and the awful event comes as a quite inexplicable occurrence to his many friends. The charred remains of Edward Julian, Gladys Julian and Frank Smith have been recovered and an inquest will be held.