THE MURDERER OAFFREY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1515, 20 November 1886, Page 3

THE MURDERER OAFFREY.

A ikipper of a ooaifcing craft has furniihed an Auckland Star reporter with some particular* relating to Oaffr*y, the Barrier Island murderer. He says:—"l shipped with Oaffrey as an A.B. in the Minister of Marine. We went to ’Friioo in her, and then worked our passage to London. There I separated from Oaffrey and came book to Auckland. Oaffrey worked his passage from Londdn to Calcutta, and from there to France. In France he joined a circus—one of the biggest shows going. He was engaged as "sailor." I mean he was the general handy man, mended the tents, and did other odd jobs. He travelled right through France with that circus. I don’t know where he went after France, or what ha did until he returned to Auckland." When questioned as to Ofiffrey's early history, the skipper said he did not know much, and proceeded as follows" I know Oaffrey was born near Onehnnga, and that he was acquainted with the Barrier almost from infancy. When nine years of age he worked in a copper mine there; he was there afterwards catting firewood, I believe the first vessel be had charge of was the Catherine Barradale—the wreck of her is now lying in the Mechanics 11 Bay intake. He used to run to Waiheka for firewood. Oaffrey had also several other vessels. About four years ago he took the Tamaki Packet, and ran between Tamanga and the Great Barrier, and carried firewood from the Taylors' place. I always found Oaffrey to be honest and upright, and a better man I have never sailed with in all my life. How on earth he came to do what he did, the Lord alone knows." Some general conversation ensued, during which it was stated by the sailors’ present that a large amount of money was being collected here amongst the men en small craft to assist, in providing the best possible defence for Oaffrey.