The Queensland Murders.

Manawatu Herald, 5 January 1899, Page 2

The Queensland Murders.

. +_ LOCAL RESIDENTS SUSPECTED. FOLLOWING UP THE CLUE. The police are following the tracks of the missing horses stolen from Gatton. There is reason to believe that the police are pretty certain that the crime was committed by one or more looal residents. They believe to have certain dues, which they are working assiduously. It is understood the police have withdrawn their opposition to offering a reward for the Gatton murder. The Home Secretary has the matter in hand. The Polioe Commissioner has gone to the scene. Many rumours are about as to clues discovered, but it is generally understood that although the polioe have reason to suspeot a certain person they are not in possession of sufficient evidence to warrant an arrest. Opinion is gaining ground that only one person is implicated. Later. Some shearers were seen camping in the vicinity of Gatton about the time of the murder. Three men, it is asserted, were concerned in a shearers' strike when Michael Mur. phy was out with the mounted infantry. It is declared they regarded Murphy as an enemy. They were acquainted with the looality. It has transpired that the elder girl iid not attend the races. The i younger went to the raoes accom- 1 aanied by her brother. At the races i ;hey met a young man who made an < trrangement to drive both girls to i be ball at night. He, however, did < iot arrive at the appointed hour, and I .[ichael drove his sisters to town, t Che young man subsequently arrived ( it Murphy's house and finding he « vas too late, spent the evening with •• mother family a short distance } tway. r Tbe Commissioner of Police and <

the reporters have arrived at an v 1 jj j| derstanding regarding the sup pre |l||j sion of news, the publication Imll which might interfere with the cour |J |i of justice. IH