A TRAGIC DEED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1507, 15 July 1905, Page 2

A TRAGIC DEED.

A LITIGANT USES EXPLOSIVE OUTSIDE COURT. GETS BLOWN TO PIECES. OTHER PEOPLE INJURED.

j _(P®r Psioss Association.) I . Nelson, last night. I There was a tragic ending of a court I ease at Murchison this morning. I Mr Kenrick was holding a sitting in I Downie’a Hall, Murchison,and the hearing I of a case, Neame against Sewell, for the I recovery of two head of cattle, was I proceeding, when Sewell became violently I excited, and made a remark that aronsed I the suspicions of the Court. I The Magistrate thereupon reasoned with 1 Sewell and advised him to go outside and I calm himself, I Police Inspector, Wilson and Constable | Scott followed Sewell with the intention I of arresting him. and whilst the Inspector I was talking to him Sewell fired an I oxplosivo which was in his waistcoat { pockot. J Inspector Wilson was injured by the I explosion, and Elijah Bonn was seriously I injured, while several bystanders were I knocked senseless. I Inspector Wilson and Mr Bunn wore I standing alongside Sewell, and Constable Scott was standing behind the Inspector. Sewell’s body was blown to pieces, portions being picked up a hundred yards away. ! Downie’s Hall was considerably damaged, and the windows in several houses along along tho street were broken. But for the Magistrate having advised Sowell to leave the Court, a greater catastrophe must have occurred, for had Sewell fired the explosive in the buildiug, the heavy timbers of tbe roof would certainly have fallen on the people below. Dr Conlon, of Reefton, has been sent for to attend the injured. Later. —Mr Bunn has now regained consciousness, and his reeovory is regarded as more hopeful.