Page 7 Advertisements Column 1

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 108, 30 October 1863, Page 7

A Mysterious Case.— Between eight and nine o'clock one morning, as a man who is working in the Llanbereis Company's claim was passing amongst the old workings at th« back of the Loughmore Castle hotel, he discovered the dead body of a woman lying: between two heaps of tailings. The body was extended at full length on the back, with the arms spread out straighten either side Information was immediately given to the police, and in addition to the constables, the Mayor of Ballaarat East, was soon upon the spot. This gentleman had ihe body removed, and carefully. examined it, but without finding the slightest trace of violence upon it. The body was soon recognised as that of Mrs Mary O'Neill, who has for some time kept a small store in Barkley street south, near the Main road. On reaching the house the police found the front door locked, and having burst it open, they discovered the whole of the clothes of the deceased thrown carelessly on a sofa. The back door was open, but the fence ; was locked, and the key was hanging over the mantelpiece. , The deceased bears a good character amongst" her neighbors, and has not been addicted to drinking. We are informed by a near relative that several times lately she hns complained of feeling "lightheaded," and lias been in the habit of fancying that her sisters and others were following her with evil ihtemions. It appears probable, therefore, that in a paroxysm of temporary insanity, the unfortunate woman scaled the yard fence, and, as a result of the inclement weather, was taken with a fit" -dud expired where she fell.— gallaarat Evening Pat,