FINDING OF SERGEANT KENNEDY’S BODY.

Kumara Times, Issue 668, 18 November 1878, Page 2

FINDING OF SERGEANT KENNEDY’S BODY.

The search partv in quefct of Sergeant' Kennedy from -M;-us field (Victoria), who was murdered by Victorian bush- :: rangers reached the halting place forthe night about half past six o’clock 0n...;’ October 31st and camped there for the night. The paity numbered in all, in-'-'-eluding the. police, twenty-five persons. ' An early start was made next morning-.;.-• at half-past five, the party being pro* vided with provisions for the day. They headed for the vicinity of the scene of . the late encounter, when the ; party formed ■ themselves into an ex* tended line, and scoured the country until they reached the place where the murder had been committed. After - consultation it was decided to scour for. a mile in the direction, of M‘lntyre’a : ' escape tracks. Hal f-a*mile had - soar* cely been searched when a coo-ee from Mr Sparrow brought the party together, and it was then found that the body of the unfortuuate Sergeant Kennedy had been discovered. The body was stretched out, and covered by a uniform cloak. ITpon the removal of the cloak* the body presented a partially decomposed appearance, particularly where the Wounds were visahle. The remains were then partially placed in a.bag, and raised to the back: of a horse by Mr Tomkins . and Constable Orr. A cart was then sent for to meet the procession, and the body was conveyed to the halting-place, which it reached at eleven o’clock. The body was found on MTntyre’s return tracks. The party reached Mansfield., about three o’clock the hews having; previously been-brought by Messrs TomkinsandHageman. The unfortunate man is scarcely recognisable, except by general appearance and the clothing. Tjje face is quite , black and the.hosa ' partially gone, and there is one large hole in the breast as if a rifle had been put close to the body and fired after Kennedy had fallen. His clothes were burnt in the spot and around the wound. The right ear appeared to be cut off as if with a knife. There is also a bullet wound under his right aim. The return -party report that they met a party of police from Greta, which was originally organised to act in concert with Ken- . nedy’s party. The Greta police stated having come upon the tracks of Kelly’s party last evening by discovering a native bear recently shot by a, rifle ,ball ) they are now following up” the tracks but are badly equipped.