“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31108, 11 July 1966, Page 12

“The Press” In 1866

MAUNGATAPU MURDERS.—(From the “Nelson Colonist”) The body of James Battle was found last Tuesday, near to the Heringa river, in this province, at the spot indicated by Sullivan in his confession. It was brought into town on Tuesday night An inquest was held on the body the same evening, and next day the Coroner’s jury returned an open verdict to the effect that James Battle had been wilfully murdered . . . The bottle of poison (strychnine) and the revolver, which were spoken of by Sullivan as having been hidden in a hedge in The Wood were found on Tuesday afternoon. Sullivan, accompanied by Mr Shallcrass and Captain Clouston, went in a cab to

the place, with some of the policemen, who searched the locality; but, after spending some time, left without discovering the articles. An hour afterwards, the poison and the pistol were found by a boy, who had made a search after the police party had gone. . . .

-It is said that Burgess has accused Sullivan of having committed many murders in Australia, and that a number of skeletons will be found buried in his garden at Koorong. On the other hand, it is stated that there are persons here who knew Sullivan years ago in Australia, and who describe him as being looked on as a respectable man, but too fond of gambling. . . .