THE MURDERS BY BLACKS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11795, 26 July 1900, Page 5

THE MURDERS BY BLACKS.

A REIGN OP TERROR.

A REWARD FOR THE MUR-

DERERS,

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, SYDNEY, July 25. (Received July 25, at 9.25 a.m.)

The inquest on the Mawbeys (not Mawbrey) is concluded. Jackey Porter,, a very old aboriginal, declared that he remained in camp during the tragedy, and took no part therein. His other evidence was similar to that of Jimmy Governor's wife. He laughed repeatedly while giving his evidence. A verdict of wilful murder was returned against Jimmy and Joe Governor, Jack Underwood, Jackey Porter, and Mrs Governor. The chief reason for including the latter was the declaration cl Mrs Mawbrey that she heard the woman's voice outside while the outrage was in progress. . At the inquest on M'Kay, the wife deposed that she opened the door to the blacks. One of them said: "We are murderers. Come outside ;we kill you all," and then he struck her twice with the tomahawk as she closed the door. Failing to break the door, they smashed all the windows with stones. She opened the door and went outside again with her little girl. The blacks made them stand on a verandah till they had searched the place all over. Meantime they had split open M'Kay's head with a tomahawk. When they came out they demanded money. She gave them £8, and then they took a horse and saddle and cleared. M'Kay died in two hours.

Jack Underwood was arrested by a civilian. He was found to be wounded.

A reign of terror exists among tho isolated settlers, who, being afraid to go to bed, are guarding their houses. Armed parties of civilians .jjuiud the town, of

Merrhva. A number of reservists have also been armed to assist the police and to help guard the settlers. The Government have offered a reward of £100 for the capture of each of ;ha murderers..

SYDNEY, July 25,

(Received July 25, at 10.40 p.m.)

Mrs Maw-bey is dead. The murderers abandoned their horses after killing the O'Briens, making for the ranges on foot.