Hoist With His Own Petard.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3548, 18 July 1905, Page 2

Hoist With His Own Petard.

J AN EXCITING INCIDENT, A DEMENTED MAN BLOWN TO PIECES. . There was a tragic ending to a court case at Murchison on f rlday morning. Mr Kennck was holding a sitting in Dowme’s Hal], Murchison, and Die hearing of a case, Neame against Sewell', tor the recovery of two head of cattle was proceeding, when Sewell became violently excited and made a remark- that aroused the suspicion of the Court. The Magistrate thereupon reasoned with Sewell, and advised him to go outside and cool himself. Police Inspector Wilson and Constable v Scott followed Sewell with the intention of arresting him. and whilst the Inspector was talking to him Sewell tired an explosive which was in his waistcoat pocket. v inspector Wilson was injured by the explosion, and Elijah Bunn was seriously injured, while several bystanders were knocked senseless.

Inspector Wilson and Bunn were standing alongside Sewell, and Constable Scott was standing behind the Inspector. Sewell’s body was blown to pieces, portions being picked up a hundred yards., a wav. Dowme’s hall was considerably damaged and the windows in several houses along the street 1 were broken. / But that the Magistrate had advised Sewell to leave the Court, a greater catastrophe must have occurred, for had Sewell tired the Explosive in the building, the heavy timbers of the roof would certainly have fallen upon the people below.