Murder and suicide on the Carrick Range - John McKersie (1847-20/10/1894) and Archibald Blue (?-20/10/1894).

Cromwell New Cemetery.

FEARFUL TRAGEDY AT CARRICK.

MURDER AND SUICIDE

There was great excitement at Bannockburn, on Saturday afternoon, when the sad news came in that Mr John McKersie had been found murdered in Archie Blue’s hut on the Carrick Range, about four miles from Bannockburn. The terrible news, which was brought in by Hugh Robertson, quickly spread and Constable Mulholland, who had been sent for from Cromwell, and a number of the residents of Bannockburn, on horseback and on foot, were soon at the scene of the murder. On arriving at Blue’s hut, poor McKersie was found with a fearful shot wound in the right side of his face, near the ear. From his position, and appearance it would seem that, fortunately, death must have been instantaneous. Search parties were at once started to find Blue and Wright, McKersie’s partner. Although diligent search was made, no trace of either man could be found. While search was being made Wright turned up at Mr Horn’s store at the Bannockburn, some hours after he had discovered the murder. It appears that Wright, being very much upset by the murder, went some distance out of his way to avoid the murderer as he was afraid that Blue might shoot him, as he had shot McKersie. 

Inspector Pardy and Sergeant McLeod who left Clyde on Saturday morning last for Cromwell, hearing on arrival that the murder had been committed, immediately went out to Bannockburn. On arrival there they were met by Constable Mulholland who had just brought the body of McKersie into the township. After dusk Inspector Hardy sent out Sergeant McLeod, Constable Mulholland, and two men named Maider and Maher, to Blue’s hut to watch all night and secure the murderer if he should turn up. The party watched the house and patrolled all night, but as there was no sign of Blue at five o’clock on Sunday morning, they left and reported to Inspector Pardy. After a few hours rest, the Inspector arranged that Sergeant McLeod and Maher should start in search of Blue from the scene of the murder, along the top of the Carrick Range, down to the head of the Fraser, on to Switzers, which locality Blue was thoroughly acquainted with while Constable Mulholland, Robertson, and Lawrence were sent out to search for Blue in the tunnels and mining shafts of Carrick Range. While the previous party was just starting, for the head of the Fraser River, Robertson coo-eed wildly, up the hill from the hut, at the month of an old tunnel. On Sergeant McLeod and party going up Robertson cried out, “I have found it.” On going to the mouth of the tunnel they saw Blue's body lying in a pool of water, as described in the evidence below. The tunnel, which is about 50 yards from the house, is a very old one, and is now filled with water. It is surmised that Blue was talking with McKersie about mining matters, and that he ran into his bedroom, got the gun, and shot McKersie, that after doing the deed, he realised the awful crime he had committed, and putting the gun back in his bedroom, rushed up to the tunnel in a frantic state, determined to end his life by drowning. On entering the tunnel from the position of his body, it is evident that, he must have deliberately plunged into the water and kept himself under the water until he died by suffocation. 

During Saturday evening all sorts of stories were current at Bannockburn The most fanciful one being that on Friday night Blue, McKersie, Wright, and Robertson had tea together, and after tea all were seized with cramps in the legs, the inference being that Blue had attempted to poison the party. 

Archie Blue, who committed the murder, and afterwards drowned himself, had been living on the Carrick Range for the past 20 years, and was always thought, by those who knew him, to be a little off his head. For years past he has been a hatter, and, doubtless, his solitary life led to the unhinging of his mind. For a long time, he had thought he had a right to a monopoly of about a square mile of ground, where his claim was situated, and was very jealous of any miner working near him. Although he never offered any objection to McKersie and Wright taking up a claim near his, it was well known amongst miners, at Bannockburn that he was very much put out by their doing so. His peculiar views on this subject, doubtless troubled his weak brain, led to insomnia, and finally to the awful tragedy of Saturday morning last. Blue was a man of 60 years of age, of swarthy complexion, with full beard turning grey, He was a short, but well built man, very energetic and active, and of the most abstemious habits. As far as can be ascertained he was never married, and was & native of the Isle of Skye. 

Mr John McKersie was well-known in the district, where he had resided for a number of years, following the occupation of miner. He was unmarried, and was about 48 years of age. John McKersie was a straight forward, good-hearted man, who would do .anything to help anyone along the rugged paths of life. He was a man who took a keen interest in politics, and often cornered candidates for Parliament, by his pertinent questions, at political meetings, on the questions of the day. In all public matters he took a leading position at Bannockburn, and lent his abilities without stint to everything having for its object the welfare of the community in which he lived. Take him for all in all, John McKersie was a man who always tried to do his best for his fellow men, and Bannockburn, for many a day, will miss him as one of the best residents that has ever lived in that locality. 

The funeral of McKersie left the hotel at a quarter past three on Monday afternoon, and was followed by a large number of people, many coming long distances to attend. The funeral of Blue left the Bannockburn about an hour later. Many people returning from the first funeral turned, and followed the second one. Both bodies were interred in the new cemetery on the Cromwell flat.

INQUEST ON JOHN McKERSIE. 
An Inquest before acting-coroner, Mr J. Horn, and a jury of six — Mr N. McLelland, foreman — was held on the body of the late Mr McKersie, at the Bannockburn Hotel, Bannockburn, on Monday afternoon, 22nd instant. The following evidence was given: 

Hugh Robertson, sworn, said he was a rabbiter living on Garrick Range, knew John McKersie and A. Blue. He last saw John McKersie alive on Friday about 10 p.m., in his house on the Carrick, near Bannockburn, Wm, Wright and A. Blue were also present. He left the place about 10 pm. A. Blue also left at the same time. He parted with Blue directly he left the house. Blue resided close to McKersie’s house. Did not see Blue or McKersie again that night. Started to go to McKersie’s between 11 and 12 a.m. next morning, went by main road and being close to Blues’ hut, and noticed the door was wide open, and on looking in, saw two feet just inside the door. On walking in he saw the body of John McKersie lying on the floor, saw a big hole in the side of his head. He was quite dead. On turning round he noticed the bedroom door was shut, the door leading to the back room was open. Looked in this room and found it empty. He stepped back and caught hold of the handle of the bedroom door, and at once stooped down holding on to the door, after listening a short while he stepped out of the door and crawled under the bedroom window, stood a little, after going about three steps, then went down the hill as fast at he could towards Bannockburn, for the purpose of informing people there. He knew Archie Blue well, and thought him peculiar. One night in his house he said he had to bury his clock at night because it ticked. The same night he stated that he had split his dog's head open. Witness considered him a peculiar man. By the jury: “Did you feel bad the night before you found McKersie in Blue’s hut? Witness: Yes I did, and I attributed my illness to some sugar I had taken in McKersie’s hut.”

Wm. Wright, sworn, said: He was a mate of John McKersie’s and resided with him him in a hut at Carrick Range. The last time he had seen John McKersie alive was on Saturday morning, October 20. About half past 11 o’clock McKersie left the hut to go down and see how Blue was because Blue was unwell, having recently come out of the hospital. Stayed in the hut for some time, and then went to look for McKersie, went to Blue’s hut, found the door wide open and body of John McKersie, lying on his back, dead. On looking at him saw a big hole in the upper part of his face. He saw no one about, and as soon as he “saw how it was,” he returned to his hut, changed his slippers and went down to Bannockburn to give information. Knew Blue had a double barrelled gun. Did not return up the hill again that day. Last time he had seen Blue alive was in their hut on Friday night, they parted very good friends that night. He had been alone with McKersie some seven or eight weeks, and had always been on good terms with Blue. Believe Blue has lived there for 10 years. Have heard Blue had objections to people working or living there but he never showed any to them. He had noticed Blue strange at times: had seen him the evening became out of the hospital, and on the following morning the 18th, went down to his hut and noticed he looked excited and nervous, his eyes looked wild. Have occasionally noticed him peculiar at other times. Could give no reason why Blue should injure McKersie, they were on the best of terms. 

By Foreman: ‘'It was on the 18th, that I noticed he looked wild.” 

John Ryde gave evidence as to seeing the body, and stated he had known Blue for 25 years and that he was always peculiar in his manner. In his opinion it would take very little to cause Blue to become insane. 

Constable Mulholland gave evidence as to finding the body of McKersie. He also gave evidence showing that he had found the gun in bed room, one barrel having been discharged. 

George Alexander Morris, sworn, said he was a duly qualified surgeon, in charge of the Cromwell hospital. Had made a post mortem examination of the body of John McKersie and had found a large wound in the right side of the face between the eye and the ear. Found two fragments of lead in the wound. Found in the brain the pellets of lead and paper produced from the direction of the wound he considered the shot was fired straight in front of McKersie from a distance of three or four feet. Thought McKersie was standing when he was shot, as the wound had an upward tendency, and Blue was a shorter man than McKersie. Knew Archie Blue. He was in the hospital under his (witness’) care for three or four days, suffering from insomnia, and left the hospital on Tuesday or Wednesday last week. Did not notice anything of a homicidal tendency. He was an eccentric man, but did not think him dangerous to himself or others. When he left the hospital, he (witness) gave him a bottle of medicine containing sleeping draughts, with directions, on the bottle, for taking same. If he took double the quantity it might excite his brain slightly, if it did not take the soothing effect intended. Did not know McKersie’s age but knew he was a native of Fenwick. Scotland, and has sisters living there. 

The finding of the jury was —“That John McKersie came by his death from a gunshot wound wilfully inflicted by Archie Blue.” 

INQUEST ON A. BLUE. An inquest was held at the Garrick Range Hotel, before the same jury as in above case. The evidence was to the following effect: 

Hugh Robertson gave evidence. (The greater part of this witness’ evidence was the same as that in the previous inquest.) He also stated that the last time he had seen Blue he thought Blue was more sensible than he had ever seen him. Had met Blue coming from the hospital, when he appeared alright. Did not think any ill feeling existed between Blue and Wright and McKersie, Blue had said "they were nice chaps."

Wm. Wright also gave evidence. (The chief portion of witness’ evidence was the same as in the previous inquest.) 

By the jury: “I did not know anything about Blue having said that he had a secret to tell McKersie. He had said to McKersie that he (Blue) was not going to work any more, and not to argue with him as he did not like it. I never noticed anything that would lead me to think Blue was dangerous, and frequently saw him.  McKersie had no fear of him.”

Hugh Mulholland, police constable, Cromwell, sworn, said he was present when the body of Blue was found in the pool of water. Had been searching for him. He was lying with his face in the water which was one foot deep where his feet lay, and from 18in to 2ft where his head lay. He brought the body out of the tunnel into Bannockburn, where it was received by the jurors at the Carrick Range Hotel. There were no marks of violence on the body of any description. 

By the foreman: Could not say whether the tunnel, where the body was found, was searched on Saturday. 

George Alexander Morris stated he had examined the body of the late A. Blue, and had found no external marks of violence. Believed him to have been drowned, as the symptoms corresponded to death by drowning. Blue left the hospital on the 16th or 17th of October. During his stay he slept fairly well, six or seven hours a night, with the aid of sleeping draughts. While he was under his (witness’) care he had seen nothing to lead him to think him dangerous.

By the jury: ‘ I would have preferred to have had him in the hospital for two or three days longer, but his wish was to return home. I am not aware that he told the wardsman that he was afraid his claim would be jumped if he did not return home.’'

The jury’s finding was — “That Archie Blue was found drowned, and in the opinion of the jury the deceased committed suicide while in an unsound state of mind.” -Dunstan Times, 26/10/1894.

Cromwell New Cemetery

MURDER AND SUICIDE.

THE DUNEDIN TRAGEDY.

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS.

(BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day. At the inquest held on McKersie, the jury found that the deceased has been murdered by Blue. Wright, deceased's partner, went out of his way, occupying four hours in reaching the township, fearing he might be overtaken by Blue. Wright states that McKersie on Saturday morning said he would go down to see how Blue was getting on, Wright told him to be back by twelve for dinner. McKersie not coming back, Wright went down to see what was keeping him, and saw him lying on the floor. McKersie, Wright, Robertson, and Blue had had tea together, but thought there was something the matter with it, and, having thrown out one lot, tried another, which was good until sugar was put into it, when it tasted bitter. Guilford on Saturday had a drink of tea up there, and he was affected by cramps. Blue had been bad for some time, and for the past fortnight had had very little sleep. He had been in the hospital and came out last Wednesday, bub it is the general opinion he should not have been allowed to go alone, as he was not capable of looking after himself. He cut off his dog's head before he went to the hospital. McKersie and Wright had been looking after him, sowing his seeds, cleaning his race and attending to him in the house, besides giving him his medicine, etc. It is evident Blue had a grudge against two of the men for going to work near him, as he thought it was his property, they having to cut through one of bis drains to construct a tail race. Blue himself was found on Sunday in the old Elizabeth tunnel. The body was in water between two and three feet deep. -Auckland Star, 23/10/1894.

THE MURDERER A MADMAN

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, October 22. Blue, the murderer, was a lunatic.  McKersie was shot in the upper part of the skull, it being lifted clean off on one side. The charge of shot never scattered, being found in one solid lump at the base of the brain. Blue was only discharged from the hospital a couple of days ago suffering from insomnia.  McKersie had gone to his hut to attend to his wants. Having done so be began to pan the prospect. Blue seeing an opportunity arose from bis bed, and seizing a gun discharged it full blank at the deceased. The motive appears to be that McKersie's partner bad taken up an adjacent claim which McKersie held belonged to him. October 23. Wright, partner of the murdered man McKersie, went oat of his way, occupying four hours in reaching the township, fearing that he might be overtaken by Blue. Wright, Robertson, and Blue bad tea together, but thought there was something the matter with it, and another man who drank of it was affected by cramp. Blue had been bad some time and had little sleep. He came out of the hospital last Wednesday, but was not capable of looking after himself. He had cut off a dog's head before going in. McKersie and Wright had been looking after him, cleaning a race, giving him medicine, etc. It is evident that Blue had a grudge against the two men for going to work near him, and they had to cut through one of his drains to construct a tail race. Blue'himself was found on Sunday in two or three feet of water in an old tunnel.  -Hawera and Normanby Star, 23/10/1984.

Jack McKersie, murdered at Garrick Range, is described as one of those bigbearted, strong fellows ever ready to give help to others—one who would rather cheat himself than do a “ smart trick ”; who was never afraid to express his opinion; and who never shirked anything that he undertook to do.       -The New Zealand Times, 27/10/1894.