KAKANUI RIVER TRAGEDY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17292, 18 April 1918, Page 4

KAKANUI RIVER TRAGEDY

NO TRACE OF THE MURDERER,

WARRANT FOR ARREST.

(Pes United Pbess Association.)

OAMARU, April 17. Yesterday afternoon a warrant was issued for the arrest of Onslow Mayhew in connection with the murder of George Burko at Gommcll's Crossing on Sun3ay evening, and tho murderous attacks on the women occupants of the house.

Tlio searoh for Mayhew lias been prosecuted day and night since the tragedy. Miles of the river bed and countryside have been scoured, but without result.

Tho condition of Miss Mary Burke, who was shot through tho lung, shows a. slight improvement, while Ere Bambury is making fair progress.

FUNERAL OF MR BURKE. Tho funeral took place yesterday afternoon of Mr George Burke, the victim of tho tragedy. As is already known, ho was tho fifth son of the lato Mr Coleman Burke, the original resident of tho suburban district which 'boars his name. Young Burke, who was well. known in West Harbour, was highly respected for his quiet and unassuming disposition. But notwithstanding. this lie had many friends. 110 was oonnected with both tho Hockey and Football Clubs, which were established iu Ravensbourne, but the Bowling Chib probably claimed his particular attention. A few years ago ho won tho championship of his club. Ho was cducatcd at tho St. Leonards School. Three years ago ho married Miss Ida Hutton, youngest daughter of Mr J. 15. Hutton. llavensboumo. At this time his brother Coleman took up farming with him at Kakanui. George returned to Dunedin, but subsequently, while Coleman proceeded on active service, took charge of tho farm with tho assistance of a younger brother who, at the timo of tho tragedy, was in camp with the Territorials at Clyde. The funeral, which left tho Dunedin Railway Station on tho' arrival of tho Oamaru train, was followed to the Northern Cemetery by a largo number of deceased's friends. Members of the West Harbour Bowlmg Club aefced as pall-bearers. Tho Rev. G. Heigh way officiated at tho graveside.