SAVAGE MURDER

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3731, 17 December 1927, Page 3

SAVAGE MURDER

AGED MAN KILLED. BLUFF ACCOUNTANT ARRESTED. Invercargill, December 15. A murder of a savage nature was perpetrated at Horseshoe Bay, Stewart Island, at 5 a.m. on Wednesday. The victim was Andrew Josey, a Javanese fisherman, over eighty years of age, who was a well-known identity. Arthur Valentine, accountant of the Bluff Harbour Board, who was the trustee for Josey’s estate, has been arrested and charged with murder. Valentine was recently the victim of a peculiar assault in the board’s office, when £240 was stolen. On Saturday he proceeded to Stewart Island, staying at the same house as Josey. The landlady was awakened by loud noises on the top floor and hear Josey cry, “Help! Help! He is killing me for my money.” Terrified, she rushed to a neighbour, who summoned a con-, stable. They found Jose.y dead. His features were terribly disfigured by some blunt instrument, and the floor was splashed with showing that there had been a terrible struggle. Valentine, who was in bed, was arrested and brought to Bluff by the steamer, and he was charged with •wilful murder. He was remanded till 22nd December. The victim was held in great respect on the island, and had by thrift acquired independence.