Shocking Tragedy in Wellington

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 8, 10 July 1893, Page 2

Shocking Tragedy in Wellington

(per press association). Wellington, Jnly 0. Avery sad shooting affray, whioh resulted in the death of Mr W. G. Sflreat, occurred yesterday afternoon. Mr Spreat who has been in the Government Survey Department for many years, retired from ■'• the Publio Service some years ago, and is believed to be of independent means. He resided in Pirie street with his two stepsons named Sanderson. Lately Mr Spreat had suffered greatly from epilepsy, and in consequence became of an irritable temperament and at the same time was often eccentrio in his behaviour. Yesterday afternoon he had words with the stepsons over the cleaning up of the footpaths about the residence, and the latter, notic* ing the conduct ot deceased, telephoned for police assistance, but unfortunately the shooting took place before the police arrived. It appears that Spreat, finding the yonng men were not desirous of executing bis order, threatened them with violence, and seizing the poker and a knife chased the two young fellows through the house, both up and down stairs. One of the Sanderson's seeing that their stepfather was in earnest, attempted to disarm him with a blow on the arm with a baton, but the latter broke and he and his brother fled into the bedroom, when Spreat finding himself unable to get in turned the key, thus outting Off all means of escape so far as the door, was concerned* The Sanderson's, however, by means of a ladder, escaped into the grounds when. Spreat renewed the attaok. - Louis Sanderson rushed np the ladder and again got into the bedroom, followed by Spreat. The former seised a MartiniHenri rifle which was lying in the room - loaded, and warned deceased not to , advance. Spreat, ho weve_i continued hia attack, and waiving hia knife over hia head approached young Sanderson, who fired at him. The ball entering his body just above the groin and went out at the back. Spreat fell and medical aid waa sought, and at first it was thought it would not be serious, but he gradually sank though Drs Collins and Fell were unremitting in attention. Louis Sander, son, who fired the fatal shot, is well known m the city, occupying a good position in a city office, waa arrested yesterday after, ' noon on a charge of wounding with intent, tnough a. more serious charge may now he preferred in view of the" death of Spreat, Spreat, in his dying depositions, admitted that be himself waa to blame over tbe matter, and he freely forgave bis step* BOOB* , - :