THE LORA GORGE MURDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2009, 25 August 1892, Page 26

THE LORA GORGE MURDER.

Invbhcargh-l, August 18.

The magisterial inquiry into the murder of Richard Bell, at Lora, on the 25th ult., was commenced to-day at Winton, John M'Rae being present in custody.

Mrs Bell and her daughter were closely questioned by Mr T. M'Donald (Crown prosecutor) regarding the statements of the dying man to the effect that M'Rae shot him, but nothing more definite was elicited. The girl said that her father could have heard her cry to her mother befoVe they reaohed him on the track that dada was shot by John M'Rae.

Mr Macalister (for accused) suggested that Bell took his impression as to the identity of his assailant from his daughter's exclamation.

Irwin, one of the neighbours sent for, and who sat up with tho family for the remainder of the night after Bell died, emphatically reiterated his former evidence to the effect that Mrs Bell said that her husband had told her that John M'Rae shot him at the lower gate. Irwin said that he reproached himself bitterly that he had not the presence of mind to question Bell himself on the subject, as he was quite capable of understanding what was said to him, and gave him the Orangeman's grip shortly before he died.

The Crown Prosecutor admitted that the police had not yet traced the gun found driven into the ground at the scene of the murder to anybody. He asked for a remand for a week. This was strongly opposed by Mr Macalister, but was granted by Mr Rawson, R.M., bail being refused. M'Rae, who is a man 05 years of age, although he does not look it, is breaking down under the incarceration.

Ib is said that the attempt to fix the ownership of the gun on Patrick Walsh has fizzled, and that it will bo sought by M'Rae's friends to Bhow that a young man in the neighbourhood had it last year. Rumours as to tho identification of the weapou are flying about in all directions, but whon investigated prove groundless.