THREE YOUTHS ARRESTED.

Manawatu Times, Volume VIII, Issue 347, 25 August 1883, Page 2

THREE YOUTHS ARRESTED.

Per Press Association. Dunedin. This day. Thre c hoys named James (aged 19) ? John (aged 18), and Alex, (ao-'ed 14) R (> y< sons °^ awe^ known resident °f Clinton, have been arrested m connection with the shooting of the fireman on the Clinton train. Further particulars of the affair show that No. 1 shot had been used. Both charges appear to have struck the unfortunate man. A quantity of shot entered his left breast lacerating the muscles The contents of the second shot appear to have taken effect lower down on the left Bide of the stomach. A piece of paper and a flute being found, suspicion was attached to the young boys, and Detective Henderson arrested them. Their father James Roy, is a farmer and Justice of the Pence, and resident about three-quarters of a mile from where the tragedy occurred: On the boys being questioned by the police they were asked if any of them could play the flute, and they replied m the affirmative. When asked where the instrument was they said they had lost part of it the day before. On the remaining part being produced it was found to fit the piece which was picked up near the Bceneof the outrage. The boys were out rabbiting, and had two guns, a single and doublebarrelled. It was admitted that James and Alexander discharged their «uns simultaneously while the engine was passing. The lads assert they (lid uot mean to harm any pepson, and were not aware the guns were loaded with pb.pt. When Mr Roy was informed that he could come into Clinton and see bis sons he said he had spoken to them often euough and now they would have to takethe ponsequencs. ; On the way both boys treated the matter coolly, whistling at times and chatting m an unconcerned way. The boys' reputation is not at all bad, although' it is admitted they are a litjfcle wild. The whole affair has the ap« pearance of beiijg * reckless and wanton piece of mischief." Dr. Low says m his opinion ona pellet of shot has entered the heart. Jpfyii BencjLerson, the victim of the tragedy, w^twfct 3§ye««?<?£ and only twelve inp^h.s the colony. * He pame from India, where he worked as an engine d river. He resided afjnyercargill with a ypung wife to n'h'jm Ije had been pjarried 14 months. ' Mr* Henderson is near her confinement. _ An inquest will be held onMon* day at one o'clock. Jplm Roy' is charged with being accespory to the iact.