Tragedy Near Sydney.

Manawatu Herald, 15 February 1894, Page 2

Tragedy Near Sydney.

1 — » ■ . . From a Press Association cablegram fi'om Sydney we learn that a tragedy occurred in the Burwood Borough Council Chambers on Monday morning, when Mr JRedfern, Clerk of the Council, shot Mr Paisley, the Mayor. Bad blood had existed for some months past between Esdfern and several of the councillors. The latter it is alleged, harassed the clerk into resigning, and he was to vacate office on the 24th inst. His mind was, apparently, unhinged, and he had been carrying firearms for several days. He had been assiduously working the municipal elections to get candidates favourable to himself elected, but the result on Saturday was dead against him. While the Mayor was engaged signing documents Redfern shot him behind the ear. Paisley, instead of running into the street, ran into the strong-room. Kedfern followed and fired three more shots into his body, and then blew out bis own brains. So far as known there was no quarrel between Kedfern and Paisley, and the crime is described as merely the act of a madman. Two of the bullets fired at Mr Paisley entered the back— one in the region of tha lungs, and the other near the kidneys, and his condition is regarded as extremely critical. It is alleged that after firing two shots, Redfern drew a stiletto, badly cutting the Mayor's hand. Paisley was about twelve years ago head of the .firm of Paisley and Co.. in Invercargill, now Guthrie and Co. Limited. Three loaded revolvers wera found on the body of Redfern, the Burwood Town Clerk, who committed suicide after shooting Paisley, the Mayor. He had frequently threatened to shoot the Mayor, having of late conceived a strong dislike for him. Paisley had just concluded his term of office, and came to the Council Chambers to prepare his report. Redfern had previously expressed his determination not to assist him in preparing a report, and had destroyed all minutes of the Council since the muncipality was created. All accounts of the borough are posted up accurately to date. Paisley has died of his injuries. At the inquest of the body of Redfern, who shot him, a: verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned.