The Masterton Tragedy.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 287, 8 June 1895, Page 2

The Masterton Tragedy.

VERDICT OF WILFUL MURDER. (Per Press Association). Masterton, June 7. The victim of the tragedy was a brother of Mr Jesse Herbert and Mrs Charles Dixon, of Masterton, about 40 years of age, stoutly built, with full beard, but minus one eye, He was a son of the late Mr Joseph Herbert, founder of Herbertville, at which place he was born. He was a contractor and leaves a wife and family of 5 young children. Quiet and inoffensive in his manner, he was a man whom it would be difficult to quarrel with, and was highly respected by those who knew him. Andrew Somerville, the man in custody, appears to be about 40 years of age. Ec was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. He came to Masterton when the railway works between here and Eketahuna were in progress. For about two years ho has been working for his victim (Mr Herbert) at Herbertville. He came down to Masterton about a fortnight ago and obtained emplo\meut from a gentleman at Pangaroa. The habits of Somervillo are said to have been above reproach. As a workman he could not be beaten, and as a mate he was esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He is possessed of a short temper, but no man who knew him would dream for a moment that he would be guilty of the crime with which he now stands charged. He is fully six feet high, and is a stout muscular five looking fellow, turning grey. The inquest on the remains of the man Herbert was opened at Masterton this afternoon. Androw John Somerville, perpetrator of the crime, was charged at the Court to-day with wilful murder. Prisoner walked with a firm step into the Court, aud, beyond casting his eyes piercingly into the assembled crowd, seemed to take no notice of the proceedings. Mr Pownall appeared on his behalf. On the application of the police the case was adjourned till Saturday morning. Later. The inquest on tho remains of Arthur Horbert was conclnded this evening, a verdict of wilful murder being returned against Andrew J. Somcrville. No u«w facts were elicited. Somerville continues calm md unmoved. He will be charged before the S.M. Court to morrow morning. Herbert's remains will be takon to Herbertville, Hawke'u Bay, where he has a wife and seven children.