Shocking Tragedy at Sydney.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 238, 13 February 1894, Page 2

Shocking Tragedy at Sydney.

A TOWN CLERK SHOOTS THE MAYOR. (PKB PREB.S ASSOCIATION). Sydney, February 12 A tragedy occurred in the Burwood Council Chambers this morning, when Redfern, Clerk of the Council, shot Parsley, Mayor. Bad blood has existed for some months past between Redfern and several of the Councillors. The latter, it is alleged, harrassed the clerk into resigning, and he was to vacate offico on the 24th inst. His mind was apparently unhinged, and he had been carrying firearms for several days. He had been assiduously working the municipal elections to get candidates favourable to himself elected, but the result on Saturday was dead against him. While the Mayor was engaged signing documents, Redfern shot him behind the ear. Parsley, instead of running into the street, ran into a strong room. Redfern followed and fired three more shots into his body, and then blew out his own brains. Doctors believe none of the Mayor's wounds are fatal. Later. So far as is knowu there was no quarrel between Redfern and Paisley, and the crime is described as merely tho act of a madman. Two of the bullets fired at Mayor Paisley entered his back, one in the region of the lung and the other near the kidnej's. His condition is regarded as extremely critical. After firing the two shots it is alleged that Redfern drew a stiletto, badly cutting the Mayor's hand. InvebCAßGill, February 12. Paisley was about twelve years ago head of the firm of Paisley and Co. here, now Guthrie and Co., Limited. A late resident of Burwood, now here, says that Redfern was a superior man, but that he had been badgered by one or two councillors, whom lie had bowled out iv matters of tendering for municipal works in the names of others, Paisley always supported Redfern in these mattersPaisley was well liked while here, being alert aud throwing himself heartily iuto public business. Redfern recently recovered substantial damages for libel from a councillor of Burwood. LATER PARTICULARS. Sydnky. This Day. Three loaded revolvers were found on Rcdfern's body. He had frequently threatened to shoot the Mayor, having of late conceived a strong dislike for him. Mr Paisley had just concluded his term of office yesterday, and tamo to the Council Chambers tc prepare his report. Redfern had previously expressed his determination not to assist him in preparing the report, and had destroyed all minutes of the Council since the municipality was created. All the I accounts of the borough are posted up I accurately to date.