John Sutherland, better known as the ‘Duke of Sutherland’, died on the 26th of February 1895 in his own camp at Nannine, in the Meekatharra district. His age was not known. 
He was a miner who was shot dead by an old friend, Henry Augustus Muller, who then killed himself. Both men were old identities at Nannine. Sutherland was well known on the Murchison Goldfields and was widely respected for the honest and fearless nature of his character. He was a regular contributor in his own name to the ‘Victorian Express’ (a Geraldton Newspaper)’, and it was believed he did much to make the paper popular among the digging community. He was an avid campaigner for the rights of the Diggers and his efforts to improve the living conditions of these men.
Both men are buried in the Nannine Cemetery which partly overlooks Lake Annean.
The following are some of the things that JohnSutherland was trying to get to improve the miners lot.
Victorian Express – Geraldton 18 May 1894, page 3
LIST OF WANTS ON THE GOLDFIELDS.
As supplied to us by Mr. John Sutherland
1. — The common necessaries of life, and mining machinery should be admitted free of duty into the colony.
2. — Water conservation. Well-sinking should be let by contract.
3. — A chain pump and tank for the Nannine well
4. — Total exclusion of Asiatic and African aliens from mining camps and townsites on the Goldfields
5. — Right of appeal from a Warden’s Court to the Supreme Court upon payment of £10 into Court by the aggrieved party, to cover costs.
6. — Reduction of Miners’ Rights to 10 shillings and Registration fees to 5 shillings.
7. — Miners’ Rights should be obtainable at any police camp on the goldfields.
8 — The amendment of all schedules of the Regulations by striking out the word ” fees, “‘otherwise all objections are eligible.
9. — Labour conditions: One man to hold a three-acre lease or any- part thereof as a leaseholder.
10.— Exemption fees are to be paid in proportion to the actual time exemption is granted.
11 –The Under Secretary of Mines should be a person with some knowledge of mining- Milling Inspectors should be appointed as soon as possible.
13. — An Employers’ Liability Act.
14. — Transfer of votes from one district to another.
Inquirer and Commercial News 29 March 1895, page 6
THE RECENT TRAGEDY AT NANNINE
THE MURDER OF JOHN SUTHERLAND
SUICIDE OF HIS ASSAILANT. THE INQUEST
Full details reached the Murchison Times by the last mail regarding: the murder and suicide which occurred at Nannine about a fortnight ago. A brief account, received by wire, appeared in our columns at the time of the occurrence to the effect that Henry Augustus Muller, a man of very large independent income in Victoria, had shot John Sutherland dead, and then shot himself through the mouth with fatal result. At the inquest held on the 27th of February, before Mr. McConol JP and a jury consisting of Mr. O. P. Timperley (foreman), and Mr. D. Downey. Evidence was brought to show that bad blood had for some time previously existed between the two men on account of a case in the Warden’s Court, in which they were both interested.
Daily News 27 February 1895
Witness and police constable Grover went to Sutherland’s camp and found him lying on his back in a pool of blood, quite dead. He had a bullet wound in his left breast. Proceeding to Muller’s camp they found him lying on his back perfectly dead with a six-chamber revolver close at hand. The roof of his mouth was almost shot away. Three shots had been fired from the revolver, three remaining loaded. On a table was a piece of paper containing the following words: I have shot John Sutherland; therefore blame no one else. — H. A. Muller.’ The jury after a brief consultation returned a verdict to the effect that Sutherland met his death at the hands of Henry Augustus Muller, and that the latter met his death by his own hand.
The Murder of the Due of Sutherland
Twas in that golden Western Land,
Where the hardy diggers toil,
And, with their strong and sturdy hands,
Wrest the treasure from the soil.
Where the mulga plains stretch far and wide
With golden reefs between
There, scattered tents and houses form’d,
The township of Nannine.
Twas on the bright and summer day,
At the noontide, hot and clear,
Two pistol shots rang out apace,
And closed a bright career.
Yes! Twas done; the ghastly deed,
And none could it recall,
For there were found poor Sutherland
His heart pierced by a ball.
But, still the brutal murderer,
As if for blood did yearn,
Smote again as his victim lay,
And fiendishly did him spurn.
No remorse this murderer felt
For the cruel deed he’d done,
But calmly walked he to his tent,
And there a note begun.
“Twas I who shot John Sutherland,
So therefore no one blamed”,
Such was the note the people found
When to his side there came.
But though remorse he did not feel
Yet he, with fear did quake,
And dreading vengeance that would come
His own life he did take.
Twas thus that awful tragedy
Took place in the light of day,
And two of God’s own image pass’d
From his bright world away.
by H E F
Mulga Lodge, Nannine 28 February 1895
Moya Sharp
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