THE MURDER AT LAKE OHAU.

West Coast Times, Issue 3221, 21 January 1876, Page 2

THE MURDER AT LAKE OHAU.

It will be remembered that in November last, a man named Hugh Hannah was found dead at Lake Ohau, Otago, under circumstances that led to the belief that he had been murdered. An individual known" as Martin Cunningham was the last parson seen in his company, and on the day of the supposed murder this man disappeared mysteriously. A reward of £100 was offered for information that would lead to the apprehension of Cunningham, and this reward seems to be claimed by Mr Thomas Bould, of Pahautanui, Wellington. It appears that a man who was known as Wm. Phillips has been for some days knocking about Mr Bould's hotel, and that while there be conducted himself in a most improper manner. At last he made use of certain threats towards Mr Bould which induced that gentleman to come to town for the purpose of laying information against him. When Mr Bould arrived in town he read the description of the supposed Otago murderer, and found that it tallied nearly with the man Phillips. He therefore obtained the services of the district constable, who arrested Phillips. The man certainly answers very completely the description of Cunningham, and seems unable to give any information as to his movements in November last. The police however, are very doubtful as to whether he is the right man. They have had him photographed, and the picture sent . to Dunedin for identification.