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FIRST CASE of an inquest which has taken place since the massacre of the memorable 3rd. The evidence as to the murder of Powell (writes 'The Argus' express correspondent) is but a specimen of the recitals heard on every hand of the reckless brutality of the troopers that morning.
VERDICT OF THE JURY.
The death of deceased, Henry Powell, gold-digger, was caused by sabre cuts and gun shot wounds, wilfully and feloniously, and of their malice aforethought inflicted and fired by ARTHUR PURCELL AKEHURST, Clerk of the Peace, Ballaarat bench, and other persons unknown.
The jury return a verdict of Wilful Murder against
A. P. Akehurst and other persons unknown.
The jury express their condemnation of the conduct of Captain Evans, in not swearing deceased at the time of taking his statement after having been cautioned by Dr. Wills of his immediate danger. The jury view with extreme horror the brutal conduct of the mounted police in firing at and cutting down unarmed and innocent persons of both sexes, at a distance from the scene of disturbance, on December 3rd, 1854.
WILLIAMS, Coroner.
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Mind, good reader, the above is a legal document.
After my trial, on my way to Ballaarat, I met in Geelong the identical
Akehurst, cracking some nuts with (I mean, speaking to) some young ladies.