Eugene's Last Performance, Police Gazette 20th June 1863

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Police Gazette – Southern District, June 20th 1863

From the Office of Sir Marmaduke Whitmore, District Commissioner – Southern District

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Wanted / Dangerous Persons

• “The Butler Gang”
  Now confirmed to be operating in strength within the Gorge bush. Numbers estimated at 8–12 armed men. Increasingly bold in actions.
  Reward: £50

• Mary O’Leary, alias “Red Mary”
  Last seen fleeing a violent incident near a Constabulary tent encampment. Believed complicit in ambush of a government officer.
  Considered armed and dangerous. Reward: £10

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New Notice

• Unidentified Māori Male (“Koawa Watcher”)
  Observed again near the Koawa Track. Now reported carrying a double-barrel gun and shadowing both Constabulary and miner movements.
  Behaviour suggests deliberate reconnaissance. Allegiance unknown.

• Eugene (surname unknown), itinerant pianist
  Recently arrived at Te Awa Koawa. Of limited musical ability but attracting gatherings in camp.
  Intelligence suggests his presence may be used as cover for criminal movement or meetings.
  Keep under observation.

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Major Incidents & Property Reports

• Assault on Probationary Constable Clarence Whitmore
  Officer found beaten and disarmed near forward tent position. Sustained head injuries consistent with pistol whipping.
  Government revolver missing.
  Incident believed to be work of Butler Gang.
  Condition: Recovering, unfit for duty.

• Supply Pack Still Missing
  Government revolvers, ammunition, and rations remain unaccounted for.

• Claim #12 – Further Developments
  Blood traces discovered. No bodies. Increased likelihood occupants removed rather than killed on site.

• Horse Theft (Ongoing)
  Tracks indicate organised removal. Likely supporting increased mobility of outlaw elements.

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Criminal Intelligence / Notices

• The Butler Gang are now assessed to be establishing control over sections of the Gorge, not merely raiding.

• Reports confirm:

  • Armed pickets posted in bush approaches
  • Movement coordinated between camps
  • Use of civilians (willing or otherwise) for information

• Gatherings around the pianist Eugene have drawn mixed company:

  • Miners
  • Camp followers
  • Known or suspected outlaw associates

  These events present both risk and opportunity.

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Native Affairs / Local Intelligence

• Increased movement along unmapped bush tracks.

• Some parties avoiding all contact; others moving openly but cautiously.

• It remains unclear whether:

  • Independent groups are operating
  • Or coordination exists between local elements and the Butler Gang

• The “Koawa Watcher” may be acting as:

  • Scout
  • Intermediary
  • Or observer for unknown interests

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Orders to the Armed Constabulary

• Recover stolen government weapons
• Locate and, if possible, apprehend members of the Butler Gang
• Identify and detain “Red Mary” for questioning
• Investigate gatherings around Eugene the pianist
• Maintain order within Te Awa Koawa camp
• Use initiative—situation increasingly fluid and dangerous

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Scenario Hook – “Eugene's Last Performance”

Word spreads: Eugene is to perform tonight at a rough gathering near the edge of camp.

• Lanterns lit
• Tents crowded
• Miners drunk and distracted

But in the shadows:

• Butler men drift in
• Informants watch
• Constables close cautiously

And somewhere nearby…
Red Mary may yet reappear.

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Before the Law even moves Red Mary charges out of her tent furious at Eugene's terrible piano playing.  Marmite that boy.

The Butler boys cross the creek

And the rifles of the constables are effective.

Red Mary puts the boot into Eugene.

And the Police dog goes for Big Brian Butler

Hiding behind a tent.  Not a great tactic.

As Red Mary continues to beat Eugene the bullets fly around them 

A shotgun blast catches one of the Constables.

But one of the Butler Gang falls to three pistol shots in rapid succession 

And the boy with the shotgun is flanked and hit 

And the dog forces Benny Butler into the stream. (they all have first names beginning with B)

The rogue Maori lad makes a break and gets away 

Two prisoners for the Superintendent.

And the battered Eugene is given a caution for his piano playing 

With Mary getting away with it yet again.

🎶 🎵 "Waltzing the Butlers..." Music 🎵 🎶 Perhaps?