MURDER MYSTERY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1926, Page 3

MURDER MYSTERY

A GRIM STRUGGLE. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] MELBOURNE, May 9. Lieut. Colonel Eric Tulloeh, M.C., I was shot dead, supposedly by a burglar, at Lairiston Hall, a fashionable boarding establishment in East Melbourne, early this morning. The other boarders heard a cry for help, followed by two shots. They found Tulloeh in his dressing gown at the head of the stairs with two bullet wounds in the vicinity of the heart. He died in a few minutes. Near him, was a portion of an electric torch. On© hoarder, coming to Tulloeh’s aid saw a strange man rush out of the door. The man escaped. The indications are that the man gained an entry by a kitchen window which was under Tulloeh’s room. It is thought that Tulloeh heard his entry and had attempted to secure the intruder. MELBOURNE. May 9. The indications are that Colonel Tulloeh was tackled by the burglar in the bathroom, and that they struggled along the passage to the lieacl of the stairs ,where Tulloeh’s body was found and that when Tulloeh called for help, the intruder shot him.

The shots were apparently fired at very close quarters. There were spots of blood on the front door steps, through which the assailant fled. These lend colour to the belief that he was injured. Tulloeh was a strong athletic man, and was notably courageous. He was certain to put up a big figlit. Colonel Tulloeh commanded a regiment of the A.T.F. in the Great War, and had the distinction of leading his men farther inland at the Gallipoli landing than any other officer.

Mrs Tulloeh is absent on a holiday visit to Sydney. MELBOURNE .Mav 9.

Colonel Tulloeh was forty-three years of age. He had held a prominent position at the Abbotsford Brewery. He was a prominent sculler, and lie acted as coach for the Melbourne Grammar School crew, which on Friday won its heat at the college contests. To celebrate this victory, a (lance was given at l.niristnn Hall. Colonel Tulloeh was present. Ho left before mid-niglit, saying lie had a had cold, and that lie was going to bed. Two hours later lie was shot dead.