MAN RUNS AMOK

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11123, 5 February 1930, Page 5

MAN RUNS AMOK

HOSPITAL DOCTOR AND WIKE

WO EN DED,

MAN SET KIRK TO FOOD STORKS

NINE HUNDRED BLACKS IN SAD STRAITS. United Pres* Assn, by El. Tel. Oupyriebl BRISBANE, Feb. 4. Two black boys rowed from Palm Island, north of Townsville, to the mainland and reported Hint .Dr. Maitland Paterson had been shot in tine thigh, and the matron of the hospital through the neck. Roth were in a serious condition. An official who lost his wile recently, and became demented, is said to have been responsible for the shooting. The police and medical aid have been sent to the island.

United Press Assn, by El. Tel. Copyriuhi (Received Keb. 4, 7AO p.m.) BRISBANE, Keb. I.

The man who ran amok with a revolver on Palm Island i s stated to be It. H. Currie, who lived on the island for twelve years.

According to information brought to ‘ the police by black boys, after shooting Dr. Patterson, medical officer in charge of the native hospital, and Mrs. Patterson, who acted as matron, Currie set tire to the stores office and tiie superintendent and his assistant’s quarters, which were completely destroyed. He burned a motor boat belonging to the settlement, and escaped in another cralt to mi adjacent island.

With all their food supplies none, the 91)0 aborigines resident on Palm Island are in sad straits, and wounded officials’ seripw. condition made the .situation critical. A native crew therefore undertook the hazardous journey to the mainland, which was safely accomplished despite heavy seys.

MAN M.UR.DRIES lIIS SON AND DAUGHTER.

SHOT DEAD BY BLACKS WHEN RETURNING.

United Press Assn, by El. Tel. Copyright (Received Feb. 4. 11.10 p.m.') BRISBANE. Eeb. 4.

The police have returned from Palm Island, with Dr. Patterson auu his wife. The latter is able to walk.

They bad a terrifying experience. The police ascertained that Currie, after running amok, went to Fantome Island, and killed his twenty-vear-old daughter and his ten-year-old son, and burned bis home. Then, when returning to Palm Isjand, the natives shot him dead while landing. The bodies of the daughter and son were found in the ruins of the home adjoining the island. Currie was evidently greatly worried over complaints of his treatment of the natives.

The Hon. G. \Y. Forbes, in leplv to a telegram from Mr. Poison, had expressed the opinion find such a proposal should come from farming organisations with some degree of unanimity before the Government considered it.

“T'lie proposal is one to which producers might give consideration,” continued Mr. Poison, “as the necessary machinery already exists. AUSTRALIAN GROWERS SEEK FINANCE WOOL TO BE WITHHELD FROM MARKET APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE United Press A««n. by El. Tel. Copyright MELBOURNE, Felt. 4. A conference of wooigrowers and brokers is being held to-day to devise plans to linancc wool, which, it is contended, must he withheld from the market until the consumers are ready for fresh stocks. The industry is courting disaster, its representatives assert, by continuing to force more wool oil the market than the world's buyers require, with the result that the surplus must be sacrificed at speculator’s own prices. Growers hitherto have been sellhreliant and have eschewed Government aid in the marketing organisation, but it is believed that an appeal for financial assistance to tide (hem over the present difficulty may ho decided upon by tbo conference. They recognise that Air Scullin and his Ministry have shown a desire to help the industry.

PRICES FIRM IN SYDNEY

HARDENING TENDENCY FOR SUPER FINES United Press Assn, by El. Tel. (JoyyTiglr. (Received Feb. 1, 11 p.m.) SYDNEY, Feb.' 4. _ At the Sydney wool sales the offerings were 8421 bales and 7597 were sold with 1371 bales privately. Continental buyers were again active. with good support from Yorkshire and the U.S. Prices are firm with a hardening tendency for superfine wools. Greasv merino sold to 32d.

LONDON SALES

United Press Assn, by El. Tel- GonvrUtht LONDON, Fob. 3.

At the wool sales 10,284 bales were offered, including 38G9 Irani New Zealand. There was a moderate selection of greasy scoured merinos, and a fair lot of greasy crossbreds. The market was firm for all. sorts with good general competition at late rates. The withdrawals were few New Zealand greasy crossbred sold: E and ES lid (highest) and 10)d (average); Titi, 12ld and 113 d; Tautane, ITJd and llld.

Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd., have received the following cable from, their London office, dated Fib. 2-: Wool sales continue with much improved spirit. Merino, generally is 5 per cent, higheir; crossbred very firm, change (if any) is in favor of sellers. IMPROVED TONE AT BRADFORD United Press Assn .by El. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Feb. 3. The Bradford tops market is fairly firm. Some business is passing in merinos.-’ and an improved tone is apparent in crossbreds.