The Murder of Sherritt.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 27, 14 July 1880, Page 4

The Murder of Sherritt.

On Saturday evening the outlaws called at one Sherritt's. Living with him was a German, whom they compelled to call on Sherritt to come out. The latter, recognising the voices, complied, aud on his coming out to the door he was instantly shot dead by Byrne, who put one bullet through his head, and -another through his body. In the hut were a party of police, but they did not fire a shot at the bushrangers,* and acted entirely on the defensive. The reason given for this

inactivity was that the night was dark, while there was a bright fire burning in the hut, so that while the bushrangers were out of sight, the police would have been instantly seen and shot if they had appeared at the door or window. The Kellys fired a volley through the house, and also attempted to burn it down. Their object in taking Sherritt's life is clearly shown. At one time Sherritt was a friend of the Kelly's, but was most intimate with Byrne; he had been several times in gaol, and on one occasion was convicted with Byrne of stealing a quantity of meat. His father, John Sherritt, an ex-policeman and selector, is an elderly man, and resides at Sevastopol, eight miles from Beecbworlh. The deeeaspd man had a. selection of 107 acres about a mile from his fathei''s place, and it is a noteworthy fact that he was assisted in fencing it in by Byrne and Ned Kelly. He was about 24 years old, of robust health, and noted as a runner and jumper. A few months ago he was married to Miss Burke, daughter of a well-known farmer at vVoolshed. Prior to the Kelly outbreak he was on very friendly terms with members of the gang and their companions, but recently he placed himself in communication wiih the police, and for some months lias been employed by them. The information he afforded as to the movements of the outlaws proved highly valuable, and it is stated on good authority that not only did this gang ascertain who was keeping the police posted up, but they also caused it to be known in Beechworth some weeks ago, that they intended to have Sherritt's life. The house occupied by Byrne's mother, there is every reason Lo believe, was recently visited by the gang, and the information that deceased was watching the place is supposed to have been communicated to the murderers. In fact, it is stated that the reason Sherritt went to the house in which he met his death was that he might be better able to watch Byrne's place.