SEARCH FOR MANIAC

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1931, Page 2

SEARCH FOR MANIAC

IN GRIM NORTH-WEST.

STATION MANAGER SHOT.

STORY OF £IBOO POKER WIN

SYDNEY, October 23

The north-west of Australia —that inhospitable country on the topmost fringe of West Australia—has rarely produced such a gripping story as one that came through this week.

Robert Graham, station overseer at Liheringa station, which lies between tbe St. George’s Ranges •and Derby, on the coast, was found wounded at an outpost hut. A native ra n the 20 miles to the station and had to take a note a further 18 miles before he acquainted the manager with t'M facts. Meanwhile, Graham lay helpless, with a bullet in his lung. Eventually, after a nightmare journey of 50 miles, lie was taken to Derby Hospital, and subsequently on to Broome, where the best medical attention in that territory is available. His story was astounding, and roused the police to instant- action. At 5 a.m. last Saturday, he said, he had just risen when a man who had long threatened himself and another man, arrived with his camel train. Graham was alone, having sent the natives to water the horses. The newcomer made no secret of his intentions. “I’m going to collect you both,” he said. “You now, and then the other man.” Shot From Behind. Graham refused to take the threat seriously. “Don’t be silly,” he said. “Come and have some breakfast.” At the same time Graham turned to wash his hands. The man followed, and when four feet away shot Graham with a revolver. The bullet smashed his arm and lodged in his lung. A native heard the shot and rushed to the outstation in time to see the would-be killer riding away in the direction of the St. George’s Range. Over that inhospitable area he would have to climb to “get” to the other man. North-west police were swift to act. They knew that the gunman, who was believed to he insane, must go near Fitzroy Crossing, a primitive settlement, where a constable is stationed, and so sent runners to warn Trooper O’Neill. He in turn warned stationowners in the district, particularly the second man whom the gunman had threatened to “collect.” - And - then, after a racking journey of 160 miles. Trooper O’Neill effected the arrest of Nick Fallon, a bearded stockman, on a charge of attempted murder. Fallon, incidentally, had been an inmate of an asylum at Derby, and cherished the belief that, in a game of poker with Graham and another station man lie (Fallon) had won £IBOO. He had been known to state that lie gave the £IBOO to Graham to mind for him, and that Graham refused to hand it back, Graham had heard of Fallon’s threats, and carried a rifle for protection, but on the day that he was shot lie was unable to reach the rifle in time.