MYSTERIOUS CRIME

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1917, Page 1

MYSTERIOUS CRIME

IMPORTANT WITNESS MISSING. GISBORNE, July 27.'’ There is now ii<> question in. the minds of the police that the (ivo Wfint found dead at Wairoiigomai early this week were murdered by some person unknown A post-mortem examination revealed four shot wounds in Anderson’s body, one through the leg and three in the hack, and any of these would have been fatal, whilst either of the two in Bradley’s body also would have been fatal. The rifle near the bodies was. taken out by the men with eight cartridges, to he used in the event of their requiiv ing meats When found after the tragedy the breech was open, with a .cartridge in i|: which had not been pushed hack. The doctor-and police are of opinion that the shooing was done b.v some third party. The jliqiiest was opened yesterday before Afr. Wv IT. O. Jolinstori, j.P. acting: Coroner. After evidence o. identiip cation the inquest was adjourned until Tuesday. ' Tile bodies have been buried at cross roads. An imporffmt witness in connection 'with the affair, who had been about the station since -Monday last, suddenly disappeared yesterday afternoon, and search is being made for him. The camp where the tragedy occurred is about five hours’ ride from Wairongomai homestead, in a, rough place about' 3500 feet above sea level. -The party were engaged cutting tracks f.o let sheep in during the spring.