THE MARYVALE MYSTERY.

Kumara Times, Issue 3044, 5 August 1886, Page 2

THE MARYVALE MYSTERY.

Melbourne, July 27. A singular mystery, known as the Maryvale mystery, is being investigated by the Victorian police. In 1874 a man named Robert Cook left Mount Gambier for Horsham, together with his wife and child, and having a horse and cart to travel with. From that time the couple were never seen, nor could any trace be found of them alive or dead until about two years ago, when two skeletons were found in the bush near Maryvale. These were proved to be the remains of Mrs Cook and the child. They were covered with some light split timber, and their appearance led to the belief that the mother and child had been murdered. Nothing further eventuated until the 9th of the present month, when the skeletons of a man and a dog wore found within a

few yards of where the other bodies were discovered two years before, and these were also covered by timber. They were found by two girls looking for rabbits. A medical examination of the skull of tho man showed that it had been driven in by an axe or tomahawk benind the tight ear. From evidence given at the i inquest by a witness who knew Cook well it appears that the remains are not his. He was sft. Gin. in height, with very dark hair, whilst the remains were those of a man of sft. Tin. high, and with fair hair. The remains of moleskin trousers were found with the skeleton, and a pipe, whilst the witness who knew Cook declared he never wore moleskin trousers, nor had he ever seen him smoking. The skeletons were found within 100 yards of the main road. Great interest is taken in the case, as it is thought that the remains may be those of a person known to have been intimate with Cook. The police stated that they were making inquiries in America concerning Cook, and the inquest has been adjourned for two months.