The Amberley Murderer.

Manawatu Herald, 8 May 1897, Page 3

The Amberley Murderer.

An incident in the life of Sheehan, the Amberley murderer, was told to us by Mr Eerwin, of Blenheim. It occurred about six. or seven years ago, when Sheehan was some 18 years of age, and was an inmate of Stoke 3 Orphanage. Sheehan, it seems, had made up his mind to run away from the Orphanage, and chote as an opportune time the INew Year festivities. He went to Newman Bros., the well-kuown coach proprietors, and, borrowing a horse on the plea that his mother was dying, rode off. Passing through Nelson Mr Eerwin saw him, and a few hours later word came that the boy was a runaway, and as Mr Eerwin knew him well by sight he was asked to effect his capture. This he did some hours later, the decamping youth being found at a settler's house, having imposed upon the good people with one of his pathetic tales, at inventing which he was an adept. He offered no resistance, but on the ride back to the Orphanage casually asked his captor, •• What would you have done if I had presented a revolver at you ?" Mr Kerwin replied that he would have pulled out his own re volver," whereupon young Sheehan produced a revolver and said, " If you had been anyone else I would have shot you." Naturally Mr Kerwin was staggered, but, continuiug the conversation, suggested that Sheehan should try his skill on a bird close by. Sheehan fired, and hit the branch just under where the bird was perched. Mr Eerwin then a3ked to be allowed to try a shot, and after a momentary hesitation Sheehan handed him the revolver, which, needless to say, he did not get back again. Besides the revolver, which was loaded in six chambers, Sheehan had about 80 oartridgea; and when questioned this mere boy said that had he wanted anything he would have Btuck np the first passer-by, and if he would not give it would have shot him. On several occasions after this Sheehan ran away from the Orphanage and from the Industrial School. — Post.