A Wellington Tragedy

Feilding Star, 29 June 1886, Page 2

A Wellington Tragedy

(PER UNITtiT) Pittas ASSOCrAfIOV) •W llington. June 27.

The body of a mam named Mullens, formerly a hotel keeper at Oriental Bay, was taken out of the Wellington Harbor to-day.' Foul play is suspected and a laborer named John Roberts has been arrested on suspicion.

Further particulars of the alleged murder state that Roberts, who had been lodging at Mtollens' boardinghouse, Plimmer>s Step*, left there with Mullens on Friday afternoon, and the two ipien were drinking about the town late in the afternoon. Mullens bought a second-hand overcoat, which he put on, and buttoned every button. The men then left in the direction W the Lion Foundry, and so far as is known at present, this was the last time Mullens was seen alive. Roberts returned to his lodgings, having 1 the] coat which Mullens had bought with him, and in reply to a question from Mrs Mullens, as to the whereabouts of her husband, accused said, "Oh, I've settled for him." Mullens not returning home; enquiries were matte,, . t»u,Ut was net until this afternoon that the body was found, and it was brought to the surface of the water by the anchor of a yacht just getting under weigh. The coat has, been torn in seirei^i places, which shows that a struggle must have taken place, and Mullens' body bears marks of violence; the left eye is black and cut, and blood has been » oozing from his mouth. Mullens. Jwas about 35 years of age. Roberts gives his age at 55, though he does not look it, and stoutly denies his guilt, saying he does not remem^ her what became of Mullens after they left the Branch Hotel. Accuse^' will be charged at the Magistrate/ Court on Tuesday. , ; ;:••';-/'.; ■';., ■ ■■ ..r'' . ; Th]« pnj f .. ■ Further evidence obtained re Mullens 1 death dispels the idea of murder. J.R. Brown, employed on tho Wellington.MaDawatu Railway, reports Wmet Mullen on 'Friday night with liis face much disfigured, and he, in roply to a question, said he had had a row with a man on t^9 reclaimed land. Deceased was very drwik, and going towards the reclaimed land in the direction of the Ij^mawatu railway station. . ■ '

Later. John Rofetrts, arrested on suspicion of cauainf 4he death of Edward Mullens, waf>barged at the ICagistrate's Court this »erniagj and -remanded until this atteraeon. ...