THE LYELL MURDER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1076, 27 February 1883, Page 3

THE LYELL MURDER.

The Westport Times gives the following particulars regarding the supposed murderof Dennis Quinlivan, near Lyell, respecting which we published a telegram recently :—The body was very much decomposed, so much so that the remains had to be placed on a plank for removal. Close examination proved that the head had been severed from the trunk ; both were lying in close proximity to each other, The skull and face were entirely devoid of hair, presenting the appearance of having been scalded. There were other marks of violence about the chest and ribs. The body was found beneath an embankment about eight feet in height, with the Buller river running close by. Some scrub had evidently prevented the body from reaching the river, that is assuming it was thrown from the top of the embankment. It is hardly possible that an accidental fall would have resulted in decapitation and the other appearances mentioned above. We understand it is the opinion of Dr Campbell, of Lyell, that even death is not likely to bo caused by such a fall, much less the injuries which are shown. Quinlivan was employed in the United Victory Com-

pany's mine at New Creek. He was about 38 years of age, and a native of Tipperary, Ireland, Some 6 or 7 months ago lie was an 'nmate of tlie Wesport Hospital. He was last seen alive on the night of Sunday, January 2Sth, in company with Mrs Gramatica, who,we are informed, lives near the place where the body was found. As deceased worked at such a distance from the township (S miles), it is not surprising that he was not missed—his mates would doubtless think he was at Lyell, while his friends in town would fancy he was awny at work, and thus Uiere was no suspicion of his fate until the body was discovered by Patrick Carroll abcut 4 p.m. on the 3rd instant, about 50 yards from the scene of the late attempt at suicide. Mr Carroll's attention was attracted by the unbearable stench arising from the body. It was a noticeable fact that horses showed some disinclination to pass the place for some time before the discovery.