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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 185, 8 October 1866, Page 2

The Airedale arrived at, Yfellingtoon yesterday, at noou ; and the Olago at 6 p.m. Mr. ]3urnett, who accompanied Mr. M*lntyre ou his first successful journey across the Australian continent, and who was also a ] member of the Leiehhnrdt expedition, has I ■written to the Victorian papers to vindicate the reputation of the unfortunate leader and to censure the conduct of Dr. Murray, who abandoned the party. He snyd : — Dr. J/lur- ! lay had shown the white feather the night I before, begging to be excused his watch, but this day he falvly gave in. Arrived at- v place called the Bullock Water-hole, he declared the Leichhardt Search Expedition at an end, and gave direction for the brandy to he get out, the horses to be unpacked and left to shift for themselves, nud the party to proceed to water with the camels lightly packed with rations, for he said. " Xow we must look out for our lives." When told outlives were not iv danger, as Mr. M'lntyre would be out with water ere that happened, ho replied. "Ah ! you may say so, you may say so ;" thereby casting disgraceful doubt on his leader. Through some misunderstanding the camels, with two of the men. fctar ted during the night; and iv the morning, having caught our horses, we prepared to follow. A search was made for some brandy, and not being able to find any, it having gone on with the camels, the doctor was mad enough to produce his bottle of spirits of wine, and was about to serve it out when I took it from him. I think after this I need not comment upon his conduct. Comment would indeed be superfluous. Mr. Burnett corroborates Mr. M'lntyre' s report as to the trcistencc- ct whites and half-castes among the aborgincs some years ago, and lie expresses his conviction that they arestiil living in duresse among the tribes.