TRAGEDY AT BANNOCKBURN.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8932, 24 October 1894, Page 5

TRAGEDY AT BANNOCKBURN.

._*. —___ (PRESS A-SOOUT-ON TELE-RAM.) DUNEDIN, October 23. At the inquest on McKer-ie the jury found that he was murdered by Blue. Wright, the deceased's partner, went out of his way, occupying four hours in reaching the township, fearibg that he might be overtaken by Blue. Wright stated that McKersie on Saturday morning said he would go down and see how Blue was getting on. Wright told him to be back by twelve o'clock for dinner. He not coming back, Wright went down to see what was keeping him, and saw him lying on tbe floor. McKersie, Wright, Robertson and Blue had had tea together, but thought there was something the matter with it. Having thrown out oue lot they tried another, which was good until the sugar was put into it. Then it tasted bitter. Guilford on Saturday bad a drink of tea up there, and he was affected with cramps. Blue had been bad for some time, and for the past fortnight had bad very little sleep. He had been in the Hospital and came out last Wednesday, but it is the general opinion that he should not have been allowed to go by b* Da6 «** r « "*** he was not capable of looking after himself. He cut off his dog's bead before he went to the hospital. McKersie and Wright, had been looking after him, sowing his seeds, cleaning but race, and attendiug to him in the house, besides giving him his medicine, Ac. It was evident that Blue had a grudge against the two men tor going to work pear him, as he thought it waa his property, they having to cut through one of his drams to construct a tail race. Blue himself was found on Sunday in the old Elizabeth tunneL He was in water between two and three feet deep.