The Great Barrier Murder

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1901, 12 November 1886, Page 2

The Great Barrier Murder

The enquiry is now being held at the Auckland Police Court. The evidence of lira Taylor, the wile of the murdered man, was to the effect that on the morning of the 18th June they had jnat got ont of bed when Penn came along the beach tc the houie, and aaid be waa from the cutter Leviot, and wanted batter. Witneas and her hneband were going for the batter, when Caffrey sprang in with a revolver in each band, and shouted, " Hold yoar bands up, Taylor.” He repeated these words three times, and then presented a revolver and fired. Penn had sat down, and till then had kept both hands in bis ooat pockets. Taylor cried ont, “ Ob, Johnny, don’t shoot me.” That waa before a shot was fired. Witness heard three shots fired one after the other, and her hna* band then ran into the bedroom and closed the door behind him. Caffrey rushed up to the door and thrust it open, Peon following him. Witness rushed about the kitebon screaming, and went to the door to see if any* one was about. Heard one more shot, tired apparently from the bedroom. Jlan ip and saw Penn with his left arm around her busband’s neck. Penn pointed his revolver at her with his right hand to prevent her going further. She did not observe Caffrey at that time, and could not say whether Taylor was alive or dead. Witness ran out when Penn pointed the revolver at her, and ran in tha direction of the stockyard. Penn followed, overtook her, and told her to stop, saying, “ If you don’t stop I’ll blow your brains ont.” Ha had a revolver pointed at her, and she clasped her hands, ~ and prayed him not to shoot her.