GREAT BARRIER MURDER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7787, 5 November 1886, Page 5

GREAT BARRIER MURDER.

In yesterday's impression we gave the particulars of a complaint made by Mr. Napier against Mr. H. Williamson, Crown Prosecutor, for having visited and obtained a statement from the girl Graham or Cleary. We published the terms of a telegram which Mr. Napier sent to Sir R. Stoat, complaining of Mr. Williamson's proceedings, and asking, " Does Government approve of such unprecedented and reprehensible conduct?" To this telegram, Mr. Napier yesterday received the following reply: —" W. J. Napier : It is quite unusual to uk opinion of Government on conduct of its officers on an ex parte statement of one who fancies he is aggrieved. However, I have received this morning Mr. Williamson's statement of what occurred, and I see nothing to find fault with in his conduct.—Roßr. Stout." We understand that Mr. Napier intends to reply to the above telegram. Penn is said to be very anxious that the girl Graham should not be seen by persons from outside. He says that she is too much given to talk, and may do harm by romancing. It was expeoted that the lona would have got away to time yesterday morning at eight o'clock, but it was eleven before she steamed out for the Great Barrier, In order to bring to Auckland the witnesses Hubpceuaed from the island for the Caffrey and Penn preliminary enquiry, whioh comes on at the Police Court to-day on remand. Among the passengers by the steamer were : The Crown Prosecutor (Mr. Hudson Williamson), Deteotive Tuohy, and Mr. Weetman, of the Survey Department, who has been despatched to make a survey of Taylor's house and the scene of the tragedy and surroundings. He will be assisted by Messrs. Malcolm and Chapman in the work. The steamer will ship at Try phena a number of cattle whioh Mr. Seymour desires to dispose of in Auckland. In the event of the Taylor family and Constable Mackay not having reached Tryphena in time, the lona will proceed to Harataunga, where the Taylors have been living with Mrs. eymour, and take them on board. The lona may be expected to arrive in harbour at an early hour this morning. Mr. Jaokson Palmer has had an interview with Caffrey's mother, in order to obtain some information whioh be deemed necessary for the defence. We understand that Mr. Penn has not had an interview with his ion as yet at the gaol, being satisfied to leave matters in the hand of his counsel, Mr. Nspier. It is rumoured that the Taylor family intend as soon as they can arrange their affairs, and the trial of Caffrey and Penn is overj to leave the colony, which is now associated in their memory with so many sorrowful reminiscences.