THE PHŒNIX PARK MURDERS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3016, 27 November 1882, Page 2

THE PHŒNIX PARK MURDERS.

The Dublin correspondent of the London “ Telegraph’’ wrote on Oct. 4:— Notwithstanding the fact that close upon six months have elapsed since Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr Burke were murdered in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, the Loudon, Dublin, and Liverpo d police aro si ill engaged in investigating the mystery of the murder. Their efforts have been to some extent successful. The daggers used in the assassination were found in Dublin, or, as one report states, in the suburbs about two months ago. The weapons are described as knives whose blades are about three-quarters of an inch in breadth aud fully 9in long, with a small handle. They were very sharp and of good steel. It is considered certain that they are of English make, and had not been purchased in Ireland, the shape being peculiar, resembling a narrow carving-knife., Naturally, the police are very reticent about the discovery, but it has transpired that several arrests were made in consequence of it, though home of the officials ’ are inclined to the opinion that these arrests, which were made under the Lite and Property Protection Act/ rather hindered investigation into the crime. Once within the prison, there was less opportunity of watching and following up the movements of suspected persons. The occupant of the house in which the weapons were found was imprisoned, and only liberated, recently, after six weeks’ detention. There are now believed to have been tea persons concerned in the murders,mostly Irish, but with a minority of IrishAmericans. Westgate’s statement that he was paid for taking part in the assassination is not corroborated by any of the information which the authorities have received. The police have good reason to believe that the murderers are still in Ireland, and sussicion points to the individuals, but unless the aid, of an informer can be secured there is no evidence on which the crime can be brought home to the guilty parties. There is said to bo little doubt that the car was a private and not a public vehicle. At the time of the discovery of the knives it is reported they had upon them signs of blood, and they were subsequently seat to public analysts for examination. The “ St. James Gazette” says :—The place where the knives supposed to have been used in the Phoenix Park murders were found was a stable at the rear of the house of one of the men who was some time since sentenced to penal servitude by Mr Justice Lawson for intimidating Mrs Kenny, the widow of the man murdered at Saville place, because he was suspected of giving information respecting the Phoenix Park murders. It was alleged Kenny was the driver of the car. The knives were concealed in the rafters ; they are new and sharp. The barqueutine Gladstone, in which Westgate, the, self-accused murderer of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr Burke, sailed from Swansea in May last, has returned to that port. The vessel sailed for Tucacas on the Thursday after the murder, and Westgate was shipped at the last moment. The master reports that Westgate’s behaviour was noticed to be generally peculiar, and he made a partial confession, which was reported to and confirmed the suspicion that had been early entertained. Westgate was put in irons and conveyed to Puerto Cabello, where the master delivered up his prisoner.