WAIRONGOMAI TRAGEDY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3143, 28 July 1917, Page 9

WAIRONGOMAI TRAGEDY

DOUBLE MURDER SOSPFCTED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisbarne, July 27. Thero is now no question in tho minds of the police that the two men found dead at Wairongomai early this week were murdered by some person unknown. The post-mortem examination revealed foilr shot wounds in Anderson's body, ono through tho leg and three in the back, and oily of these throe would have been fatal, whilst either of tho two in Bradley's body would also liavo been fatal. Tho rifle -found near tho | bodies was taken out by the men with, eight, cartridges, to bo used in the event of their requiring meat. When found after the tragedy, the breech was open; with a cartridge in it which had not been pushed back. The doctor and police are of opinion that the 6h'ooting was done by some third party. An inquest, was opened yesterday before Mr. W. H. O. Johnston, J.P., acting-coroner. After evidence of identification, tho inquest was adjourned until Tuesday. The bodies have been buried at the Cross Roads. An important witness in connection with tho affair, who had been about the station since Monday last, suddenly disappeared yesterday afternoon, and search is being made for him. Tho camp where the tragedy occurred is about five hours' ride from Wairongomai homestead, in a rough place, about 3500 ft. above the sea level. The party were engaged cutting tracks to let sheep in during tlio spring.