Old news from Armidale and New England

The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times, Tuesday 15 December 1908

A WAITRESSES’ THROAT CUT.

SYDNEY, Monday.— Hannah, Kelly, employed as a waitress at the Central Hotel, Armidale,- had her throat cut from ear to ear by an unknown man last night. The murder was witnessed by a room mate of the deceased, who cried out, causing the man to escape through the window. A suspect has been arrested. The inquest was opened to-day and adjourned.

Cairns Morning Post (Qld), Friday 8 January 1909

THE ARMIDALE MURDER.

ARMIDALE, Thursday. There was much excitement here to-day when a report was circulated that a man had confessed to the murder of Hannah Kelly at the Central Hotel recently. He had been found in the railway yards, and a constable on arresting him said “You appear to have had trouble,” to which he replied, “Yes, I murdered Hannah Kelly at the Central Hotel.” Several people have identified the man as having been at Invergowie station on the night of the murder. He was remanded for medical observation.