MURDER BY A SEAMAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2860, 2 December 1885, Page 2

MURDER BY A SEAMAN.

The Melbourne correspondent of the Dunedin Herald writes:—A most coldblooded murder was committed at Port Melbourne on Sunday evening, 15ih inst., the nuudeier ai:d victim being seamen belonging to the American ship C-irene Dun Nicholas. The vessel arrived at the end of last month. Ino Anderson, the deciMsed, was the first mate, 38 yours of age, while Freeland*

Morrell, the murderer, was in his 35th year. During the voyage there had been several quarrels between the two, owing to Morrell not executing the orders of the other. Nothing further occurred beyond the fact that Morrell asked the captain to discharge him (Morrell), which he promised to do when the vessel was unloaded. Several times during yesterday afternoon, Morrell threatened to do fur Anderson, and was observed sharpening his sheath knife. There was a gathering of other seamen during the day, and owing to a fight between two of them a few words occurred between Anderson and Morrell, caused, by the latter's desiring to interfere. The cook informed the captain of Morrell's threats, but the latter advised him not to interfere, and even when the murder was committed, said it was not his business. The cook, however, went to search for Anderson to warn him, but Morrell, who had been watching for his victim, rushed aloug the pier and buried his knife in his heart. The cook was just too late. Had he been sooner he would either have saved Anderson's life, or added another chapter to the tragedy. Anderson only made four paces after being struck, when he fell lifeless to the ground. Deceased gave no provocation to his slayer whatever, but addiessed him in a frieudly manner as he approached, and his last words were " It's all right." Morrell was arrested almost immediately after the murder. He does not seek to disguise his act in any way, and takes thiugs quite coolly. The coroner's jury found a verdict of wilful murder against him, and he has been committed for trial in December.