The Masterton Murder.

Manawatu Herald, 8 June 1895, Page 3

The Masterton Murder.

A man named Andrew J. Soinerville deliberately shot at and killed anc**er man named Arthur Herbert in Queen street, Masterton, on Thursday afternoon. Somerville had been working for

Herbert, and a dispute regarding a claim for £19 wages occupied the Magistrate's Court this morning, the case being adjourned for a fortnight. Somerville, on leaving the Court about midday, purchased a six* chambered revolver, and at about 4.80 was seen talking to Herbert outside the Club Hotel, several persons beitig in the st. et at the time.

Suddenly Somerville drew the revolver, and saying " Take that I" fired, the shot entering Herbert's body in the region of the heart. The latter threw up his arms, and, turning round, staggered across the road, Somervill firing two more shots at him.

Herbert fell dead, the by-standers scattering in all directions. Constables CollertOn and Nestor, who were within 50 yards of the scene, rushed at Somerville, and secured him, Collertori taking the revolver away, which, on examination, was found to have the three remaining chambers loaded. Somerville made no resistrnce, and remarked that he would go quietly.

Herbert was an old settler. Somerville has been working on several contracts in the district and was generally looked upon as a quiet man.