THE BALLINA TRAGEDY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 5418, 24 July 1906, Page 1

THE BALLINA TRAGEDY.

$ SYDNEY, July 20. Since his arrest Brown has talked feebly. He said the whole thing was the result of a Secret Society formed at Balliiia to keep up a "White Australia," The plan was to have a revolution against the Bla'oks and Chinese, and kill them off- There were a number of members in the Society, but they would keep 'quiet till they got money and arms. He mentioned the names of several boys of his own age. They drilled and practised with bayonets, using pumpkins as targets, lie agreed to get money, and went to O'lveefc's for that purpose, not with the intention of killing them. They were his best, friends, and treated him like one of tin; family. When he got there the old people were glad to see him. Ho described how he waited his opportunity, and attacked them. The story of the Secret Society will be well sifted by the police. Brown's associates are respectable lads, and he says that some of those pledged in the Society tire of the best families in the district. During his flight In; had a terrible time in tho swamp, wading for hours up to his waist. He continued walking night and day. At the inquest on tho bodies of the O'lvcefes, üboy companion of Brown's deposed that three weeks ago Brown asked him to go with him to sandbag the O'Keefo's. Ho explained that by sandbagging he meant a hit to raider a person insensible. Witness refused to go. Luter in the day Brown asked him to go bushranging, adding that he knew somo others who would go. A man with whom Brown camped gave evidence that on the day before the tragedy his uniform and bayonet were taken out of his hut by Brown without permission. He identified the bayonet as that with which the murders had been committed. Tim O'Kcefe stated that sometimes his father reprimanded' Brown for neglecting his work, but they generally got on well together. Shortly beforu he left their employ Brown quarrelled with Gilliek who knocked him down. Brown got a revolver, and attempted to shoot Gilliek. Once Brown broke open a box belonging to witnesses' father and stole the money. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment Subsequently he returned to work for them.

Tho Coroner, in committing Brown for trial, characterised the crime as the most blood thirsty in the history af the State.

SYDNEY, J'.iiy 21

Brown told an interviewer that the oaths binding members of the Secret Society wore so stringent that ho would hang before ho wqiild give the names of his associates. He was selected to steal O'Kocfe's bank books in order to raise funds. He used a sandbag on Mrs O'Keefe. intending to only render her unconscious, but the bag burst. In defending herself she cut his neck with a bottle. He alleged' that ho could have killed Tim 'l'Kocfe, but only intended to stun him.