The Australian Squadron.

Evening Post, Volume XLVIII, Issue 68, 18 September 1894, Page 2

The Australian Squadron.

•■ UKITKD PBKBB ASSOCIATION. J Londok, 17 th September. H.AI.S. Pylades proceeds to the Australian station. [This is the vessel wo mentioned yesterday as being likely to replace the Cura9oa. She is a sister ship to H.M S. Rapid — a thirdclass cruiser of composite build, 1420 tons displacement, and 1400 indicated horsepower. She was built at Sheerneas in 1684, at a total cost for hall and engines of £62 000. She carries 14 five-inch gnns, eight machinegnus, and one launching-tnbe for fish torpedoes. Her speed is 12"t> knots, and she carries enough coal to steam 6100 knots at the 10-knot rate.] A Murderer's Singular Story* • (Our Own Correspondent.) Melbourne, 9th September. Elijah Cockroft, arrested for the murder of Fanny Mott at Murrabiel, fully admits the crime. He says he had no intention of taking improper liberties with the girl, but that when iv a paddock he picked up a stick and struck her on the head, rendering her unconscious. He then thought that he had better cut her throat, and took out his pocket-knife to accomplish the deed. While ho waa doing this the girl regained consciousness and asked him why he wai doing such a thingr. He states that he slept the remainder of the night in an old hat, and next, day went to a house for food. Here a farmer was reading an account of the murder, and as Cockroft would not read it, and looked uncomfortable, the mi t ted tin crime. Cockroft said, " Yus, ' and was advised to go back and give himself up. He was on the way when arrested. He appears quite indifferent to his position.