MURDER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2037, 24 April 1890, Page 3

MURDER.

A gold prospector named Jchn Taylor has been murdered near Wagga Wagga. On the 7th of April last he had with him a man named Alfred Smith and 30 foreigners, was arrested by the police for being illegally in charge of the murdered man’s horses, and he attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a razor and shooting himself with a revolver, both proving futile. He tore the bandages off his neck on the way to the hospital, but the police prevented him from taking his own life. His wounds are not dangerous. The police, after considerable search, discovered a place in a creek where the soil had been disturbed. They dug and found a headless body near the surface of the soil, with a shirt and socks on. The head was also found buried a short distance away. It presented a battered appearance, the skull being fractured, and it had been cut off close under the chin. The inquest has been adjourned, pending Smith’s recovery, The inquest on the body of Stephen Maloney, found murdered on Eriday week in the New Plymouth park was opened last Monday morning, before Mr Kettle, Coroner. Mr Samuel appeared for the prisoner, Mr Standish for the Crown. Te Mati Kai appeared in the clothes he had on when arrested, with the exception of his boots. There was a large attendance of the public. On Monday the evidence of Mrs Carroil was taken. The deceased used to take his meals at her house, and she sent twice for him on the day he was murdered, but he was not found. He was a very quiet old man- Two other witnesses were examined but nothing was elicited only that deceased offered to lend one of them money, but he did not take it. The inquest was adjourned. Erom inquiries made by Mr Samuel it is alleged that it was impossible lor the Maori to have committed the murder.