The Tragedy in Nelson.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 23, 31 July 1883, Page 2

The Tragedy in Nelson.

VKRDICTS OF wrLPUL MURDER AND FELO DE SE. [PER UNITED PEESS ASSOCIATION.] Nelson, July 30. The inquest on the great tragedy was held on Saturday afternoon. Mr Shallcrass, the gaoler, deposed that at ten minutes to 6 o'clock in the morning he heard a scream. Got up and went downstairs and into the gaol, and on entering the corridor was met by Davidson, wbo stood eight paces off with a revolver in the right hand, and said, "If you come another step I will shoot you," Mr Shallcrass commenced reasoning and threatening Davidson, and managed tc start hiui off talking about his grievances. Mrs Shallcross asked Davidson where Wander Adams was, to which tiie convict i replied, "Oh, he's all right." Aftei about thirty-five minutes Chief Warder White came on the scene, and commenced to expostulate with Davidson, until at length Davidson drew back to the wall, placed the revolver to his mouth, and pulled the trigger, but the cap snapped. He then examined the revolver again, ' put it to his head, fired, and fell dead. Davidson had been employed as a cook since May 18th, and was always very orderly and obliging. Davidson had access to the knives, and a long butcher's i knife was picked up beside Davidson's ■ body. Adam's coat was in the yard, and Davidson appeared to have searched it for keys. The revolvers were kept in the armoury, which was a cupboard within the . officers' room, to which Davidson had access. He did not appear to like the idea of going to Wellington, and said 1 that, if he had gone, he would have ' jumped overboard. Chief Warder White - corroborated Mr Shallerass's statement. '1 he jury returned a verdict regarding Adams of wilful murder by Davidson s and on the body of the latter a verdict oi felo de se. They then adjourned till yesterday, to consider their rider.