DIED FROM THIRST.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIII, Issue 14353, 19 November 1910, Page 3

DIED FROM THIRST.

A GIiUESOME TRAGEDY. TWO HEN PEBISH IN AUSTRALIA. Details published in the S~<iney papers irom Fort Uanvin in th« mi Territory respecting the death of two white men from thirst form one of tile most gruesome stories ever recojded, even in that land'of tragedies. Tbo first intimation of the sad'occuiienco appears beeu brought 111 by M. Madrilh a mailman, who reported to Mr Kruger, manager of the Willeroo station, or. October 9, that while oil liis way out he had observed a deserted canm at the side of the road about six miles from Scott's Creek, containing swags, pack and riding saddles, and other sear. On* closer examination lie found lying on one of the swags a tin matchbox, 011 the bottom of which wen-re scratched the following words: 'T will bo back with water." In the immediate neighbourhood of the camp nothing further was to be found to explain the full meaning of .this message, but on making further search the mailman discovered thp dead body of a man lying under a tree about half a mile from the deserted camp in the direction ol Willeroo station, and about OU yards off the road.

Mr. Kruger, to whom this information was given, took immediate steps to inform the police. He was able to supplement the story told by the mailman with the fact that a. well-known stockman, named John McPhee, J Kir! Lett \vuleroo station 011 October 4, with four horses, on his way to Pine Greek. He was accomiiani'ed Dy another man named Schwarz, who was walking. McPhee was carrying the man'? s-.vag oil one of Ws Jiorsus. sciiwars had only a few days previously walked out from Pine Creek 111 company with another man. On arriving within about 15 miles of Willeroo. however, Schwarz became so ill with fever that lie had to camp. On hearing of this, Mr Ivruger sent out a black boy to bring him into the station. "When McPhee arrived at 'Willeroo station he persuaded Scliwarz to accompany him back to Pine Creek, and said he would carry his swag for him. Two days after the two men had left it was noticed thatone of McPhee's hories had returned, to the station. The fact however, did not necessarily jmi>ly the occurrence of anything out of the way, and the incident did not appear to have excited any particular uneasiness.

On October 14. immediately following the receipt of tlie above news.. Mr '' M o'i left Ivatherine. ITc arrived at the scene oi' the tragedy oil October 16. Mc-Phee s three horses were all hobbled, and those with bells oil were soon found, and brought into camp. At about five o'clock 011 the morning of the 17th the body seen by the mailman, was found lying about six and a-half miles from Scott's Creek, in tlie direction of Willeroo. The body was lying flat on the back, with the arms extended stiffly along the sides, and the mouth wide open. The only clotliing was a cotton shirt. The body was in ail advanced state of decomposition, and quite black, and covered with swarnis of buzzing flies. Lying 10 feet away was a pair of khaki 'trousers, a water-bajr, billy can, and a hat. In one of the trousers-pockets was found a purse, containing notes and money, and a miliars right, issued to Charles Schwaiv, on September 3, 1909. The deceased was about 52 years of age, of stout build, ;u;d about sft Sin in height. When staying in "YVillsroo station he stated he had been tinmining at Golden Gully, and liad a mctlier still living, but her address is unknown. Schwarz had evidently perished from thirst on or shout October. 6th.

Following t£e Varjal of tlie .ill-fated Schwarz, the police party started to search for some trace of the other man, but without success. "Eventually at about 9 a ..m., on October 22 portion of McPhee's remains was found on Scott's Creek, First legs with a boot still on one foot, but with the flesh eaten oil* all exiiosed portions were found; next a portion of the back-bone, some of the ribs, and one arm and tlw shoulder-blade were found. All were scattered about, and divested of fiesh by wild The head was discovered later on 300 yards away from where Mcl'hee appeared to have laid down and died. Like other remnants, it was picked clean of flesh. One arm, one shoulderblade,. and some of the ribs could not be found. Deceased had evidently perished from thirst, and wis within 50 yards of fresh water. His remains were rolled in a sheet found in tlie swair. and buried about 60 yards from Ri-ott's Creek, and within 100 yards of the road.