THE REIGN OF TERROR.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2848, 11 May 1882, Page 2

THE REIGN OF TERROR.

The following is taken from, the “ Freeman.” It is the sworn testimony (at a coroner’s inquest) of a woman whose husband had been shot in cold blood by a band of ruffians. It speaks for itself of the horrible condition of the country which is traversed by midnight assassins : * ' “Catherine Morony, who was visibly affected, deposed Deceased, Michael Morony, was my husband. He was 47 years of ago. I remember the night of Saturday, the 25th of February. My husband went out to the house of Mr M'Namara, who lives close by the place, being within a few miles of the village of Feakle. This was about 8 o’clock, and ho was in the habit of paying those visits to M‘Namara’s. After his return ,1 was going to bed, about 9 o'clock, when my husband told me there were some persons outside. I asked who they were,, and he replied they were a party coming from or going to a dance. Shortly after the door of the bouse was struck, and the persons outside came and broke in the window. My husband ; and myself were in the room. Ido not think there was more than one person who broke in the window. This man outside asked were we in bed. No answer was made, and then the party ■outside struck at and. splashed in the door.i .The lock was smashed,- the men 'entering, one of them carrying a lighted damp brought from James M’Namara’s house. There were eight’or ten men in all, some., having their face blackened, and others with white handkerchiefs .tied round their heads; ? My husband was not present at this time, and one of the party asked where he was and demanded that he should be brought in. Two men advanced towards the room where he was and met him coming out against them. One of the men asked why did he pay his rent, striking' my husband with the but end of a gun. Ho replied, ‘‘ If ye kill me ye will kill mo innocent.” Immediately after be feaid this the man fired the gun through jhy husband’s leg. At this time I was on my knees asking for pardon but it was no use to ask pardon of them not to kill . the father of my children. My husband after he was shot fell ,on the floor and roared aloud with pain, and then the party went away. Myself, the the deceased, my sis children, the McNamaras and some others .were in the house after my husband was helped into bed, a,pd wc sent for Dr Donworth who arrived at 7 or eight on Sunday morning.”