AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1924, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. THE CHILDREN TRAGEDY. ißeoeived this day at 9.0 n.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 8. The search for Williams continues utiavailiiigly. He was a prolific arranger and composer of music, dedicating many pieces in affectionate terms to his children. He has been dogged by misfortune lately and has not been able to earn more than a hare living for himself and children. Often, after a day’s work was finished, ae would sit for hours sewing the children’s clothes by candle light. For some weeks past lie had appeared very worried and distressed. Williams was prominent in church circles. IRRESPONSIBLE BOYS. A TRAGEDY NARROWLY AVERTED. (Received this day at 9.0 a.in.) SYDNEY. Feb. 8. A remarkable story was unfolded billowing <m the arrest ol two hoys at Mount Victoria. One -*i fbe lads, aged twelve, conlessed lliai lie and his bmpanion. a god thirteen, stole two rifles and intended re sit'l- up Hie Hampton mail by shooting the driver, and then shooting the -elioi-l-mastcr. The two lads wind to tho hush where they quarrelled and (ho elder shot at the other, the bullet narrowly missing him. Later they became reconciled, and seeing a Council employee approaching along the road tlie elder remarked: —“Here conies old Johnson, 1 will shoot him,” at the same time levelling the title. The cartridge, however. failed to explode. The lads then returned home shooting a cow on the way. The police were informed and tho lads took to the hush where some hours later they were arrested.