Murders in Australia.

Manawatu Herald, 28 July 1900, Page 2

Murders in Australia.

VERDICTS OF MURDER

The inquest on the bodies of the Mawbys has concluded. Jacky Porter, a very old aboriginal, declared that he remained in his camp during the tragedy, and took no part in it. His other evidence was similar to that of Jimmy Governor's wife. He laughed repeatedly while giving evidence. A verdict of wilful murder was returned against Jimmy and Joe Governor, Jack Underwood, Jack Porter, and Mrs Governor. The chief reason for including the last-named was the declaration of Mrs Mawby that she heard a woman's voice outside while the outrage was in progress.

At the inquest as to Mackay's death his wife deposed that she opened the door to the blacks. One of them said "We are murderers. Come outside and we will kill you all." They struck at her twice with tomahawks as she closed the door. Failing to break the door they smashed all the windows with stones. She opened the door, and went outside again with the little girl. The blacks made them stand on a verandah till they searched the place all over. In the meantime they had split open Mackay's head with a tomahawk. When they came out they demanded money, and she gave them £8. They took a horse, saddled it, and left. Mackay died in two hours. Jack Underwood was arrested by I a civilian, and was found to be wounded. A reign of terror exists amongst the isolated settlers. They are afraid to go to bed, and are guarding their houses. Armed parties of civilians guard the town of Merriwa. A number of reservists, also armed, are assisting the police and guard the settlers. The Government has offered a reward of £100 for the arrest of each of the murderers. DEATH OF MRS MAWBY. Mrs Mawby has succumbed to her injuries. The two murderers (Jimmy and Joey) abandoned their horses after

killing Mrs O'Brien and her child, and they are making for the ranges on foot.

News has been received that the blacks Jimmy and Joe Governor (who murdered the Mawbys, the O'Briens and Mackay) have now killed an old man named Fitzpatrick near Wollar.

It appears that Fitzpatrick's nephew on returning to the house after a few minutes' absence, found his uncle shot through the back, and his head split open. The nephew saw the two blacks fleeing, and fired, but missed them.

The Police Magistrate for the district reports that the murderers have escaped to the mountains, whither it will be impossible to follow them on horseback.

He advises that bloodhounds should be emplqyed to track them down. The Government has increased the rewards offered for the capture of the two desperadoes to /200 each.