MURDERS BY BLACKS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11794, 25 July 1900, Page 5

MURDERS BY BLACKS.

ANOTHEK FAMILY KILLED. ,

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, SYDNEY, July 24. (Received July 24, at 9 a.m.) ■'

-At the inquest on the Mawbreys, Jimmy Governor's wife gave evidence to the effect that she had quarrelled with hers husband on the night of the murder. Jimmy, Jackey, and Underwood bid, Joe Governor, Jackey, and Porter good-bye, stating that it was their intention to leave the camp. They came back in about an hour, when Jackey said tiiat he had killed three of the Mawbreys, and that Jimmy had killed'the other, but on hearing .Mawbrey coming they all three left the camp. ■' .

(Received July 24, at 9.30 a.m.) The reported death of Mis Mawbrey was premature, but she is in a very low state. ■ ■ . ■ (Received July 24, at 5.30.p.m.) News was received this afternooon that the-'blackfellows concerned in the Mawbrey massacre killed §. woman named O'Brien and a child 10 miles from Merriwa to-day. (Received July 24, at 9.50 p.m.) At the inquest on the Mawbreys, Jimmy Governor's wife said she wanted to see Joe and Jackey Porter cleared, because they had no hand in the murders. Jimmy Governor's wife further said that Jimmy had a grudge against Mrs Mawbrey for making him pay a few shillings for rations. Jimmy said that if Jack Underwood had not been so slow they would have killed Mawbfey and two sons sleeping with him. They got a rifle and ammunition, and declared that he, Joe Governor, and Jack Underwood were going to their native haunts to kill, some tribo against whom the} r had a. grievance. They would steal rifles and ammunition, and take to the mountains, and shoot anyone who came to take them. A rumour is current that the blacks, at the instigation of Jimmy Governor, have resolved. to attempt to kill all the settlers in the district, because, "they allege, the settlers stole the blacks' country. (Received July 24, at 10.50 p.m.)

The Mackays were struck up early yesterday afternoon. Both the old people were terribly mutilated. A tomahawk was use^l. The daughter escaped and gave information. Another girl, 10-years of age, was unharmed on promising to find the murderers two horses. The blacks stole Mackay's horse and accoutrements 'and £8 in money. Subsequently they stuck up an Indian hanker on the (Inlgong road, ;ind demanded boots and ammunition. Both were armed with rifles and tomahawks. They boasted that they had killed the Mawbreys and Mackays, and were then off to kill Henry Neville, of Wbllar, a 'few miles distant, near their native haunts, which is described as tile roughest country in Australia. If they reach it their capture will be exceedingly difficult. The police have left Gulgong to try and intercept them. Hundreds of settlers are assisting in the 'chase. Prior to visiting Mackay's, they stuck up two settlers' houses, demanded food, and threatened to kill the settlers if they informed the police of their whereabouts. They declared that they intended to kill others, and would never be taken alive.

(Received July 25, at 0.20 a.m.)

Mrs O'Brien and her boy, 18 months old, nnd Mrs Bennett, a nurse staying with Mrs O'Brien, who was near her confinement, were sitting in the kitchen at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, when two blacks arrived with rifles, and rushed in and fired several shots. Mrs Bennett, who was wounded in the shoulder, breast, and thigh, escaped through the widow, and rani to O'Brien, a short distance away. She told him to go for he!]>. The nearest neighbour is seven miles iiwiiy. When he returned there was no trace of the blacks. Mrs O'Brien was dead in Hie kitchen, shot through the breast and tomahawked on the head. J.he child was dead, tomahawked on the head. Mrs

Byimelt's condi-lion is serious.

• (Received July 25, at 0.40 a.m.) At the inquest on the old man Maekay, the evidence of the wife and daughter clearly established the identity of the slayers. A verdict of wilful murder against Jimmy and Joe Governor was returned. Gulgong reported late to-night that Jackey Underwood was captured and lodged in gaol.