The Queensland Outrage.

Manawatu Herald, 31 December 1898, Page 2

The Queensland Outrage.

THE BLACK TRACKERS OUT.

A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE.

Black trackers are at work at the Gatton mur3er<

There is no clue to the murderers as yet.

The traoks of two horses were discovered in the paddook in which the bodies were found.

Two armed horsemen were seen soma miles from the scene on the night of the tragedy and later oalled at a farmhouse to feed the horses. They then rode in the opposite direction.

It is believed the victims were first attacked in the main road. The bodies were afterwards taken to the cart to where the horse was found shot and its throat cut.

There are signs thai the girls struggled terribly. Their clothes were torn to threads and the lower portions of the bodies badly bruised The armed man seen in the vicinity of the tragedy are believed to hav< been a party of sportsmen. The police theory is that four or five men were engaged in the crime

and bailed the party up, afterward! tying their hands behind their backs* The indications show that at least three men were concerned in the outrage upon the women. The Gatton district is in a state • of great ferment. The work of the black trackers m hampered by the fact that the win! has obliterated the footprints on the , dusty roads, and by the muitiptfpiijr 4 . of the tracks made by the peopks visiting the scene.

The Government has seat a message of condolence to the relative* of the victims. ;