THIS MURDER OF MESS DOBIE

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2402, 27 November 1880, Page 2

THIS MURDER OF MESS DOBIE

[By Tici.korai-ii.] Nkw Plymouth, Nov. 2G. Miss Dobie, tlic young lady who was Found brutally murdered near Opunake in the Taranaki district last evening was well related and highly acconi]dished. She was acting as special artist for the London Graphic, to which periodical she had contributed a largo number of sketches of New Zealand scenery. Miss Dobie, with her mother, was about to proceed to England, and she had been on a visit to her sister (Mrs Coring), at tho Camp at Cape Egmout, where Captain Goring is stationed. She had been sketching all parts of the country, and had visited Parihaka, where she had been most kindly treated by To Whiti and the other natives. Mrs Dobie and her daughter had gone to Opunake, and it is supposed that Miss Dobie had gone to sketch Te Ngamu Bay, where the Lord Worsley was wrecked about a mile and a half from the township, when she was waylaid, probably violated and then murdered. Marks of a terrible struggle are apparent. The body of the young lady was found in some flax, the head being nearly severed. Auckland. Nov. 20.

Tlic murder of Miss Dobic has caused a great sensation in Auckland, where she was well known, having resided in Parnell, where her brother is at present living. The following particulars concerning her have transpired : Her father was Ma jor Herbert Moyne Dobic of the dOth Native infantry, Madras Army. He died in India on active service. There were six children—three sons and three daughters. The deceased is the third and youngest. The eldest daughter is in England, married : the voungest brother is Mr Herbert 1 )ohh% an ollicer in the Auckland railway department; the eldest brother an ollicer in the Horse Artillery : and the second eldest an Army Surgeon. Nearly all the sketches of New New Zealand scenery in (ho London ‘"Graphic” were the product of her pencil. In that journal was published recently a ride by two Auckland ladies through the northern district ol the colony, illustrated by sketches. Miss Hobie’s mother is a sister of Mr Fredrick Locker, editor and proprietor of the “ Graphic.” Last year, through a love of art, Miss Dobic and her sister (Mrs Goring) took a trip to Fiji, accompanied by Mr Herbert Dobic, where tHey were the guests of Sir Arthur Gordon. His excellency, when he heard the tidings of Miss Hohic’s murder to day was greatly shocked and grieved, as he greatly admired the talent of the young lady. A few months ago a performance by some amateur theatricals took place in (he Choral Hall for a benevolent object, in which Miss Hobic sustained the mlc of Lydia Languish in Sheridan’s comedy of " The Rivals ” and her graceful impersonation of that dilllcull part, was much commended at the lime. The tidings of the terrible tragedy has caused ((into a gloom throughout the city, and much sympathy is felt for the bereaved relatives. THIS DAY. The body of the murdered Miss Dobic was not violated. The following particulars of the man Statmard, arrested on suspicion have been received by the Government. He had resided in llawera for the past twelve months, and had been engaged as a billiard marker in one cf the hotels there for some time. He has also been employed as clerk to a butchering company, it is stated that he arrived at Lyttelton about three years ago as mate of a ship. THE INQUEST. [ri!OM otJi! OWN OIKUKSI’OXKKXT.] P.VTKA, Nov. 27. The inquest was opened tins morning on the body of 'Miss Hohio found murdered at Opuuake Captain Wray, ILM. is presiding as coroner. Probably the inquest will he adjourned for a week after taking evidence of the discovery of the hod}', and the medical evidence of a surgeon from the A.C. Cam]), who examined the body, and who will state the indications as to a criminal outrage before or after death, the condition of Miss Dohie’s clothing and speak as to the stains of blood on the clothing of the man now in custody. The Police Superintendent and one detective arrived at Opunaki this morning and will investigate the circumstances and get iip the evidence. It will he necessary to adjourn the inquest to enable the police to fully investigate the mystery. The deceased had gone for a walk alone on Thursday forenoon to a native pah. and as she did not return a number of A.C.s were sent in search. They cooeyed, blew a bugle, lit lires, carried torches, and discovered the body at nearly 10 at night, about forty yards from the main road, among the Max'.