Some five or six months ago a man named George Hart, residing at Maclean, in New South Wales, was accidentally drowned at Harwood, and up to a few days ago his widow, who had no children, continued to reside in the house at Maclean previously owned by her husband. From a few days after his death until a week ago stones and other missiles were night after night hurled upon the roof of the house with monotonous regularity, and on one occasion a verandah screen was set on fire. The police and civilians watch regularly in order to catch the perpetrator of the outrages, but without obtaining the slightest clue.
Sometimes stones would strike the roof in almost opposite directions, then knocking would be heard underneath the house, and although those on the lookout would rush off in the direction whence it was supposed that the stones had come, no sign of anyone could be seen. Since these assaults have been carried on, the windows have been time after time smashed to atoms, and the iron roof has been damaged. Mrs Hart has now become insane, and she has been removed to the Grafton gaol for medical treatment. A few of the residents have offered a reward for the conviction of the offender, but so far not the slightest clue has been obtained.
Otago Daily Times, 28th January 1893.