MURCHISON MYSTERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21569, 15 February 1932, Page 7

MURCHISON MYSTERY

LESLIE BROWN’S DISAPPEARANCE PERTH, February 13. At the resumption of the inquest in the Murchison murder case, Constable Penn gave evidence that Rowles tried to commit suicide in his cell after his arrest. He told witness that he had previously tried to poison himself. In a later conversation Rowles expressed the opinion that he would probably swing for the murder of Carron, whose real name is Leslie Brown. He added: “If I get life imprisonment I will try to swing myself.” Rowles also made a statement in which he admitted having had a disagreement with Carron, and they had agreed to part company. The hearing was adjourned. An inquiry into the sensational mystery of the Murchison district concerning the disappearance of Leslie John Brown, better known there as Louis J Carron, portion of whose charred remains and personal belongings, it is believed, were found in the ashes of a camp fire, was opened at Perth on January 18. James Thomas Smith, aged 26, alias “ Snowy ” Rowles, was present in custody on a charge of having wilfully murdered Brown near 183-mile gate on No. 1 rabbit-proof fence in May, 1930. Interwoven in the case is the disappearance of two well sinkers, James Ryan, aged 45 to 50, formerly of Kalgoorlie, and George Lloyd, aged about 30, formerly of South Australia, who were associated with Smith and Brown in station life in the Murchison district. Lloyd and Ryan disappeared befoi'e Brown. Inquiries by Detective-sergeant Manning into the fate of the three men extended over 12 months, during which time the search for evidence extended to South Australia and New Zealand. ROWLES COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. PERTH, February 13. (Received Feb. 14, at 5.5 p.m.) At Cue John Smith, alias Rowles, was committed for trial on a charge of murdering Carron.