THE PHŒNIX PARK MURDERS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2060, 6 April 1883, Page 2

THE PHŒNIX PARK MURDERS.

By the San Francisco mail we are in possession of telegraphic news from Auckland giving the more important particulars of the examination of the alleged murderers, which was resumed on the 15th February. Carey, Councillor Brady, Kelly, Hanlon, Curley, Fagan, Delaney (the cabman), FitzHarris and Thomas Coffey were in dock.

It was stated in evidence that both Lord Cavendish and Burke were suddenly seized from behind, and as they wrenched themselves loose it was thus they were wounded in their backs as well as their breasts. Caffrey was identified as being in the car when passing Chapel Izod Gate. Murphy, a laborer, identified Fitz Harris as one who was walking near the car with several others. Carey, the informer, stated during the examination, that next night but one after the murders the knives with which they had been committed were produced by Brady, and “ Number One ” Ordered them to be destroyed. The blades were broken into little bits, and the handles burned. The last time Carey saw “ Number

One” was at the end o£ September or the beginning of October, at Black Kock Station. His evidence concluded with details concerning the the cheque sent to the prisoners while “ suspects in Kilmainham Gaol by the Sustenance JFund Committee of the Land League. Carey in June last handed “ Number One ” his resignation as one of the four leaders of the “ Invincibles ’’ At the hearing on the 19th, all the prisoners were again placed in the dock. One of them shouted “ The future Lord Mayor Carey,” and the latter shook his head menacingly at his former comrades. His examination was then resumed. He spoke more confidently than he did on Saturday, and replied to the crossexamination sharply and testily. He deposed, amid hisses by the prisoners, that ho belonged to the Fenians, but not to the Supreme Council. He had no idea that Lord Cavendish was to be murdered when Mr Burke was attacked, and was stupefied when he heard of the former’s murders.

Being cross-examined, Carey said he gave information regarding the murder two days ago. He said he had decided to give evidence directly after he was arrested, though he did not do so until Thursday. . Being cross-examined by Mr Murphy, Crown Council, he said that after the publication of the Freeman’s Journal, stating that all the officials were to be removed from the Castle, the murder of Mr Burke was decided on.

As Carey passed the dock, James Mullen struck at him and succeeded in touching his head. Carey turned to expostulate, but was pushed to the witness table by a detective. The Marines guard Carey’s house. It is said his wife urged him to give evidence.

Mr Murphy, Crown after committal of the prisoners, said it was with the greatest reluctance the Crown accepted the evidence of a prisoner who might have been a director and instigator of the tragedy. It had been done, however, in the interest of public safety and public good. He trusted the Executive had thereby perfectly obtained the power to penetrate this fearful organisation, and hoped to make amenable to justice the plotters as well as the perpetrators of the murders. Twenty-one prisoners were committed for trial on the charge of the CavendishBurke murders. James Smith turned informer; Patrick Whelan was liberated on bail. The prisoners committed include all that were under examination except Whelan. The public pressed into the Court room, and joined in hissing Carey, who left the Court by a door farthest from the dock.

The only remarkable feature so far has been Carey’s callousness while under examination.