HELD IN AWE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12608, 19 November 1926, Page 8

HELD IN AWE

TARANAKI SHOOTING CASE RESIDENTS AFRAID OF FARRELLY INCIDENT IN BACKBLOCKS Per Press Association. STRATFORD, November 18. A Press representative paid a visit io Tangorakau. the lately-established railway camp on the Stratford main trqnk line, where on Sunday James .’"arrelly was alleged to have teen shot by Stanley Taylor. The cottage occupied by Taylor is of two rooms, and is situated about a mile and a-half from the settlement. It stands by a stream, nnd is surrounded by high, dead timber. Farrclly, who it is stated is held in awo by the majority of the residents, approached Taylor’s house in the early morning with the evident intention of assaulting Taylor. In the house at the time was Mrs Davis, a neighbour, who handed a loaded shotgun to Taylor, the idea being to frighten Farrelly. The latter took no notice of the gun and continued to advance. It is supposed that Taylor intended to fire over Farrelly’s head, and after the occurrence Taylor seemed surprised at the effect of the shot. IN STATE OF TERROR The residents state that Farrelly was under police observation, and that they had been kept in a nervous state owing to his appearance ; from the bush and alleged threats towards the residents. At the time, Taylor’s wife and children were in Stratford, and he had only himself to defend, but he was evidently in a state of terror owing to Farrelly’s superiority in physique. Tangarakau is about 50 miles from Stratford. On Sunday last a settler in the Wbangamomona County, named Taylor, is alleged •to have shot a man named Farrelly in the face, and the latter is in hospital in a serious condition. No particulars of the incident were obtainable owing to the isolation of the district, and neither the accused nor victim having made a statement.