Tragedy and Sequel.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 1 December 1917, Page 1

Tragedy and Sequel.

MURBERER DIES FOR COUNTRY. In the boom days of Coolgardie, there were two well-known figures on the field—a splendid, big-hearted woman, a pioneer nurse, whose namo was known and henoured in every mining camp, and a popular and shrewd investor named Gregory. In was in the naturo of things that the two should come together. Gregory fell ill, and was helped through a dangerous sickness by tho nurse. They fell in love and were married. With the good wishes of the whole population, they entered into business, and conducted the United Arms Hotel in Coolgardie, where they prospered.

After a time, Mrs Gregory came to Sydney on a holiday, and put up at what was then a well-known hotel, although it is now closed. She was well supplied with money, and tho large quantity of jewellery she possessed afforded further evidence of wealth. The boots in thc hotel was a queer, ill-bal-anced youth named Quinaln, who had warped ideas about robbery. One night he went to Mrs Gregory's room after her money and jewellery. He was intercepted by the lady and he attacked her with a knife, and not only killed her, but literally hacked her body to pieces. Tho room bore evidences of a terrible struggle, but it was believed that the poor woman was partly incapacitated with the first blow. The shocking details caused a great sensation. Gregory, when thc news camc through, wished to leave Coolgardie immediately and deal out justice with his own hands, but thc demented man was persuaded against it. When it was learned that Quinlan was, only 16 years of age, it was felt that the lad could scarcely have been normal. There was little surprise when the punishment was imprisonment for life. That was nearly twelve years ago. Ten years of the sentence were served by Quinlan. The prison reports showed invariable good conduct, and he was placed in the exemplary class. Thero was every indication that the boy had sincerely repented his horrible crime. Mr D. R. Hall, the New South Wales Attorney-General, took an interest in the case, and finally ho decided on a gambling chance. He said he would give him his liberty, on condition that he would show he was really repentant by enlisting and offering his life on the altar of Ms country. The young man agreed, and he was quietly released, enrolled, trained and sent away. He reached the front, met the foe as a good soldier should, was wounded and sent to hospital. He was offered clerical work at the base, it being thought he was not fit for further service. But he refused, and insisted on returning to thc front. A few days ago, tho Attorney-Gen-eral received word that Quinlan was killed in action, his face to the foe.