Sensational Murder at Masterton

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 286, 7 June 1895, Page 2

Sensational Murder at Masterton

ONE MAN SHOOTS ANOTHER DEAD IN THE STREET. A PREMEDITATED CRIME. I PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION."! Masterton, June 6. A man named Andrew J. Sotuerville deliberately shot at and killed another man named Arthur Herbert in Queen street this afternoon. Somerville had been working for Herbert and a dispute between the two regarding a claim of £19 for wages occupied the S.M. Court this morning, the case being adjourned for a fortnight. Somerville, on leaving the Court, about mid-day, purchased a six-cham-bered revolver, and at about 4.30 o'clock was seen talking to Herbert outside the Club Hotel, several persons being in the street at the time. Suddenly he drew a revolver, and saying " Take that " fired a shot which entered Herbert's body in the region of the heart. Herbert threw up his arms, and turning round staggered across the road. Somerville fired two more 6hots at him, and Herbert fell dead, the bystanders scattering in all directions. Constables Collerton and Naator, who were within fifty yards of the scene, rushed at the murderer and secured him. The former took away the revolver, which on examination proved to have the three remaining chambers loaded, Somerville made no resistance, and remarked that he would go quietly. Both men are single. Herbert was an old settler. The othor bad been working on several contracts in the district, and was generally looked upon as a quiet man. The affair caused no little sensation here.