BONDI MURDER

Southland Times, Issue 22052, 27 June 1933, Page 5

BONDI MURDER

TWO MEN CHARGED SENSATIONAL ARREST MADE ALLEGED CONFESSION (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.25 p.m.) Sydney, June 26. Considerable interest is being taken in the inquest, concerning the death of John Rowland who was shot by motor bandits when returning from a Masonic meeting on May 15. The detectives were set a most difficult task, as nobody saw the occurrence, though cries of distress were heard at midnight at Bondi near the victim’s home. The recovery of a revolver, however, gave the police the first clue, and later two men were arrested under sensational circumstances. They were speeding on Parramatta road and a police car finally overtook them. Evidence was given before the Coroner to-day when Claude Wallace, aged 24, and Eric Newlyn, aged 26, were charged with murder. Detective Mcßae produced a statement in which Wallace admitted having shot Rowland, who refused to hand over his money. Rowland told him to go to the devil and attacked him with a suitcase. Wallace said he did not intend to shoot, but inadvertently pressed the trigger. He was unaware the safety catch was released. He declared that Newlyn was not connected with the shooting. The latter remained at the wheel of the car the whole time.

The inquiry was adjourned till Wednesday.

The cold-blooded shooting of John Rowland, aged 31, by one of two motor bandits in Old South Head road, Bondi, on May 15 ranks among Sydney’s most callous murders. After making a brave fight for life, Rowland died on May 18 in St. Vincent’s Hospital. A reward of £5OO was offered for information leading to the conviction of the murderer. Rowland remained conscious to the end, and spoke to his wife shortly before he died. In commercial circles Rowland had a sterling reputation as a salesman. He had been on the staff of a number of big Sydney firms, improving his position each time he changed. He was an Englishman, and came to Australia a few years after the war. He married a Sydney girl, and left a baby boy not yet 12 months old.