HORRIBLE WEST COAST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 322, 19 April 1881, Page 2

HORRIBLE WEST COAST.

Greymouth, April 18. News has reached here that a man named Bell, a sort of cockatoo settler, near Boatman’s Greek, has been found in his cowshed with his brains blown out. His murderer is supposed to be one David McGahcy, alias Yankee Dave, and jealousy is the alleged cause. Several policemen have been despatched to the scene. The suspected murderer is missing. Further Particulars. A Reefton telegram gives the following addtional particulars The name of the murdered man is John Bell, of Larry’s Creek, Westport Road. Mr Cereseto called on him on Saturday morning, and found him bailing up cows. Mrs McGahey was there, but she left soon after for Reefton. When Cereseto called in the afternoon he could make no one hear him, and on going to the cowshed he found a cow tied up, and Bell lying on the ground with the back of his head battered in, the place bearing evidence of a fearful struggle, as deceased in his death grip clutched a piece of male clothing and human hair. In the morning when Cereseto was there Bell asked him if he had seen McGahey, and he said he had not. It is supposed that the murderer crept on Bell unperceived after MrMcG alley’s departure, and struck him on the head. A dozen policemen are scours ing the ranges in every direction.

Capture of the Supposed Murderer. Guevmoutu, 12.55 p.m. To-day. McGavey has been captured in the ranges. JNo further particulars to hand,