THE GISBORNE TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1917, Page 4

THE GISBORNE TRAGEDY.

DOUBLE MURDER SUSPECTED. A WITNESS DISAPPEARS. By Telegraph.—Press Association • Gisborne, Last Night. There is now no question in thfl minds of the police that the two men found-dead at Wairongomai iijrly tni» week wore murdered by some person known. The post mortem elimination revealed four shot wounds in Anderson 1 ! body, one through the leg and three" in the back. Any of these three wouW have been fatal, whilst either of the t#o in Bradley's body would also have b«W fatal. The rifle found near the bodfaw was taken out by the men with eight cartridge* to be used in th» event of their requiring meat. When found, aftw the tragedy, the breech was open, wiijv a cartridge in it, which had not )»*» pushed back. The doctor and the police ere of opinion that the shooting was done by some third party. The inquest opened' yesterday before Mr. W. H. O. Johnston, J.P., aeting eoroger. After evidence of identification, the inquest was adjourned until TtWS - - day. The bodies have been buried at ; the Cross-roads.

An .important witness in- connection with the affair, who had been about ,th» station since Monday last, suddenly disappeared yesterday afternoon, »nd;; » search is being made for him. The c&Mp where the tragedy occurred is about five hours' ride from Wadrongomai homestead, in a rough place.) about ,3500 feet above the sea level, and the party were engaged in cutting tracks, to let U»» sheep in during the spring.