Mysterious Affair at Monikie.
Stone Throwing by Invisible Hands.
There is great excitement at and in the neighbourhood of the farm of Downiebank, Monikie, occupied by Mr Laird. For about a week past Mr Laird’s cattle have been let loose from the courts and allowed to stray at large. Not pleased with that mischief the miscreants have thrown stones at the farmhouse, some of them going through the windows, but the greater part being thrown on to the top of the house. This has been done night after night until there is scarcely a whole slate left.
Mr Laird and his brother-in-law, Mr Mackie, reside in the farmhouse, and their joint efforts proved fruitless to find out who caused the mischief. The neighbours were informed, and about fifty watched for nights, but the stones fell on the house with more persistency than when there were not watchers. Everything living that could loosen gates and throw stones were thought of, but no solution came.
The days of yore were thought over, when black art with its faithful working crew unseen did things similar, and the conclusions that some of the watchers came to was his Satanic Majesty had the work in hand. These gravely drew their hands out of their pockets, turned their faces towards their own homes, covering the distance between them and Downiebank as quickly as possible.
Things were now getting more serious, and guns were brought to aid, and shooting at all imaginary objects was carefully performed, but with no effect. Old brass buttons were thought of for bullets in preference to lead.
The constable was now called to their assistance, but still the stone-throwing went on, some of the stones coming to rest pretty near him. It is to be hoped he will find out the actors of this mysterious conduct. Mr Laird is very much respected in the neighbourhood, and this is not considered as being an act of ill-will to him.
Dundee Courier, 12th October 1893.
Stone Throwing At Monikie.
George Fairly (13), Downiebank, Monikie, was accused of having, on 8th, 9th, and 10th inst., on the farm of Downiebank, occupied by Alexander Laird, thrown stones at and broken a number of slates on one of the roofs of the steading, and three panes of glass in a window. He admitted the offence. His mother stated that the farm belonged to her uncle, and that she and her son lived upon it. The Sheriff admonished and dismissed the boy.
Dundee Advertiser, 26th October 1893.