Eastern Districts Chronicle

 

SATURDAY, 17th AUGUST 1889

THE ROEBOURNE MURDERS. REPORTED DISCOVERY OF A CLUE.

A correspondent writing to us (the Record) from the country conveys the sensational intelligence that before long the public is likely to be startled with the news of the discovery of a clue to at least one of the authors of the Roebourne murders of a few years ago.

He relates several particulars bearing upon, the matter—which particulars, he in forms us, are only known to himself, the police, and a couple of others

In as much however, as it is possible that our friend in whose own veracity we have much confidence, may have been imposed upon, and feeling assured that in the event of his narrative being true, the publication of the details would do anything but subserve the ends of justice, we have decided to provide our readers with only an outline of the information he furnishes, leaving it to them to take the story for what it is worth.

It appears, from our correspondent’s communication, that an individual, resident in a certain portion of the colony, has long been suspected of being concerned in the tragedy referred to, and that for some time past his movements have been closely watched by the police.

He was possessed, it would seem, of two gold rings. One of these he is said to have lately sold to a friend, and the other, which, it is stated, bears the initials “B.R.,” he is credited with giving to another party with instructions to sell or pledge it for thirty-five shillings. This party – so the story runs – took the ring to a settler, who, knowing the source whence it came and suspecting that it might be the property of the late Messrs. Anketell or Burrup, and throw some light on the mystery which has for such a lengthened period surrounded the Roebourne tragedy, advanced the asked for sum.

Information of the transaction was immediately given to the police; and the ring has since been forwarded for identification to the relatives of the murdered men. It is possible that there may be some foundation, for the foregoing account. But until more is heard about the matter we would strongly advise our readers to take our correspondent’s stirring report with a grain—and a very large grain – of salt.