The Attack on Detective Farrell.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 166, 14 January 1873, Page 7

The Attack on Detective Farrell.

We take the following particulars of the attempted assassination of the above officer, in Dunedin, from the Evening Star of the 6th inst :

"A most diabolical and cold-blooded attempt was made on the life of Detective Farrell, on Saturday night. It seems that while on his way home, at a quarter past 11 o'clock, he heard a footstep behind him nearly opposite Mi' Matthews' seed shop, in Moray place, and on turning smartly round he heard a shot fired, and felt the wind of the hall on his face. He then recognised ex-Sergeant Ryan, and said, "Ryan, don't shoot mo; I'm not prepared to die." Another shot was fired, and a third, in close succession, Farrell, meanwhile, moving along the street crying "Murder, murder." At this juncture the detective attempted to use his stick on Ryan, but without effect, for immediately a fourth shot was fired, which took effect, entering under FarrelPs shoulder-blade and coming out near the collar-bone. The detective then ran to his residence, about fifty yards distant, and was soon attended by Drs Reimer and Hochen, who dressed the wound. Early in the evening the detectivo and Ryan had a glass of beer together at the European Hotel, George-street, and parted apparently on friendly terms, the latter offering his hand to the other and wishing him good night. At a little before one o'clock, or an hour and three-quarters after the occurrence, Ryan returned to the European Hotel, where' he had been staying for some time past, and was informed by Mr Keligher, the landlord, that Sub-Inspector Mallard had been there for the purpose of arresting him on suspicion of shooting at Farrell. Ryan professed the greatest surprise, and requested Mr Keligher tu accompany him at once to the Police

Depot. While on their way thither, they met Mr Mallard, Sergeant Fair, and specialconstable Bain, opposite Farley's Buildings, and Ryan was arrested and searched on the spot, and no firearms or other weapons were found on him. On arriving at the Depot, he was again thoroughly searched, but with like result. Mr Farrell's friends will be pleased to know that he is progressing favourably, and that no immediate danger is apprehended." As mentioned in our telegraphic news last week, the prisoner was brought up at the Mayor's Court, and remanded for eight days, —Farrell being unable to attend. The following is the evidence of Thomas Humphries, who was examined On the occasion, and who is a miner in the Banuockburn district:— I reside at present at the Auld Scotland Hotel, Stuart-street. Shortly after eleven o'clock— I should say a quarter or twenty minutes past—on Saturday night I was going towards my home, and was walking on the Octagon Hotel side of Stuart-street, and when near Moray-place heard what I took to be a pistol shot-. I crossed over to the opposite side of the streetj ftnd stood there for a moment—for two or three seconds perhaps—and then a second shot came' from the same direction, and I saw the flash of it distinctly. I stood still, And two more shots followed in close succession. I then ran up to where the shots came from, and heard cries of "murder." On reaching the spot, I saw Detective Farrell, whom I had known previously. He was then inside of the right-of-way leading to the house in which he lives. I asked him what was the matter ; and he said, "Ryan, at the European, has shot me." These are his words as near as I can recollect. A man, who came out of the house at the corner of Moray-place and Stuart-street (it's a restaurant, I think), then came up. I took Farrell into the house ; and in doing so, was assisted by the man I have referred to. I have seen the accused before. I did not see him on the night in question.— By the accused : 1 don't recollect seeing you at all that night. 1 knew Farrell's voice the moment I heard it. Bad I not known it, I must have gone quite close up to him to recognise him. It was very dark in the right-of-way. I should have known him from among a thousand men without going right up to him. Farrell mentioned your name repeatedly in his house, where he said it was " ex-sergeant Ryan" who shot him. I heard him say you came up with the pistol and put it close to his face ; and that he turned round and hove his stick at you. Of course when the shots went off I looked in that direction, but I could not see anyone, as it was too dark. I did not notice anything unusual about Farrell. I did not notice any sign of drink Upon him, and he seemed to talk quite rationally.