WAIKINO HORROR.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2779, 22 October 1923, Page 5

WAIKINO HORROR.

HIGGINS CHARGED WITH

MURDER.

[Per Press Association.] ' WAIHI, Oct. 20,

Inquiries during the forenoon show that the condition of Mr. Reid, the schoolmaster, is critical, while the other victims of the Waikino tragedy. Constable Olsen. Kathleen McGarry, and the boy Bustard are still dangerously ill.

Higgins, who was charged with murder at the Police Court this morning, presented a calm demeanour and was apparently normal. He was remanded for eight days to the Auckland gaol.

Higgins - ia six feet in height and powerfully buit He was a. Canadian backwoodsman. He came to Waikino 20 years ago, and built a Canadian log cabin in the bush in the neighbourhood of Waikino,

THE SCENE OF THE TRAGEDY,

Waikino, where the tragedy took place, Is situated on the Paeroa-Walhi railway line, five miles from Waihi and nine miles from Paeroa, The Waihi Goldmining Company’s main crushing battery, the Victoria, consisting of 200 head of stampers is across the river from the main road, the or# being conveyed there from Waihi by the company's private railway. Waikino practically owes its existence to the presence of the battery, which employs a large number of hands, a B prior to it being erected some years ago the township, a very small on*», was at Owharoa, a tew miles nearer Paeroa A considerable amount ot sawmiliing is carried on at Waitawheta, a few miles away, most of the timber obtained being supplied to the Waihi Company. A, small township has grown up abqut half a mile fro#* the battery, on the main road. Owing to the hilly nature of the country, tho school is situated on the top of a fairly steep incline above the main road, about half a mile from tho township and a similar distance from the battery.