REWARD OF £100.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9, 11 September 1913, Page 5

REWARD OF £IOO.

THE YARRA BAY MYSTERY.

‘SHOOTING TOUTS IS NO SIX.”

;Bt Electric Telegraph—Copvrtghtj ■ i United Press Association. 1

Sydney, September 10

An open verdict was returned at the inquest on Charles Stratton, whose body was found in the scrub at Yarn!. Bay on August 17. An unsigned letter, the writing being disguised, has been received by the police; The real writer stated that he was out with a girl. Stratton came up and threatend to follow them home and show them up unless he paid ten pounds. He then improperly ’interfered with the girl and struck the writer with a stick and bolted. When the writer drew a revolver he fired intending to shoot Stratton in the legs. He added that he would make a clean confession if granted a free pardon. “Shooting touts,” ho added, “is no sin. It is better that all such mongrels should be dead.” Efforts by the police to trace the writer have been unavailing.

Stratton was a wharf laborer, and it was stated at the time of the finding of his body that he was frequently seen in the locality by night. The police were disinclined to believe the murder theory.

The Government is offering a reward •of £IOO for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator of the crime. The Governor will also grant a free pardon to any accomplice not being the person who actually caused Stratton’s death, who may give the information. The Sydney Daily Telegraph says that the task of locating the murderer is proving an exceptionally difficult one for the police, as they have so little to work on. There is every reason to believe that the couple who were seen at the La Perouse terminus on the night of the murder had nothing to do with the .shooting, even though they appeared to be greatly agitated. They caught a car to .the .city close on 11 o’clock, whereas the police are of opinion that the crime was committed early in the. evening. It is hardly likely that the perpetrator would have remained in the .neighborhood for three or four hours. Tin's theory practically brings the police to. a dead end. as there is no other clue to work upon. It is hoped that the offer of a reward will bring forth fresh’ information that will enable the,detectives to identify the couple who have, uu■doubtedly' left evidence of their pre-

sence in- the ’bush, not 50ft. .from where Stratton’s body was found.