THE FATE OF LEICHHARDT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2459, 4 February 1881, Page 2

THE FATE OF LEICHHARDT.

On January 20 the Queensland Government received the following telegram fro rn, B 1 ackal 1. 11 •MrSk n • thorpe has found Leichhardt’s journal, written from the start, and also found his telbscope and compass. Classen’s journal shows that Hume camped with him nine weeks. Mr Skuthorpe found Classen’s grave ,150 miles from where Leichhardt’s journal was discovered, at a place near the overland telegraph line, due west from Blackall 1300 miles. Everything is in the best preservation. The weight of the relics found is about 501 b. Mr Skuthorpe starts for Sydney by next coach. He will show nothing until his arrival there. The blacks greatly assisted him in his search.” On his arrival, at Blackall on Jan. 18 Mr Skuthorpe reported having travelled 200 miles inside the South Australian boundary and near the Herbert River. He discovered relics of Leichardt consisting of his diary, Classen’s diary, Leichhardt’s telescope, which was presented to him by the Governor of New South Wales, his compasses, and other things. These he alleges are in two packs, which he has brought with him. The diary of Classen is to the effect that he left Leichhardt at a saltwater creek while he searched for water. On returning he found the party dead, and then joined the blacks, with whom he lived up to three years ago. Mr Skuthorpe will allow no one to inspect the alleged relics. An article appeared in the “ Champion,” of Jan, 21, detrimental to Mr J. R. Skuthorpe’s character, and referring to the alleged finding of the relics of Leichhardt and Classen. There was great excitment in the afternoon, for Mr Skuthorpe publicly horsewhipped the editor. Mr Skuthorpe probably starts by the next coach with the relics.