AN OLD MAN SHOT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 14 January 1913, Page 7

AN OLD MAN SHOT.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER

TWO BOYS OF 15 CONCERNED

Alelbourne, December 31

A sensational occurrence took place at Stawell yesterday, as a result of which Isaac Berosford, 60 years of age, a trapper, lies in the Stawell Hospital with bullet wounds in his hip and head; and two boys, John Liddicut and Herbert Anderson, both 15 years of age, stand charged with attempted murder.

It is alleged that Beresford met the boys, whom he knew previously, at Stawell. He treated them last night to a biograph entertainment, after which they visited an hotel, Beresford “shouting drinks.” Subsequently the boys carried Beresford’s swag to his camp, two miles out. Beresford bent down to arrange his bunk, when it is alleged.two revolver shots were fired, Beresford being struck behind the ear. Beresford turned, and another shot struck him in the thigh. He fell, and the boys, it is said, then ran away.

Beresford, who was in an exhausted state, walked to the police station, and laid an information. The boys were arrested early this morning, and were identified by Beresford at the Stawell Hospital. A bullet has been extracted from the wounded man’s head. His condition at present is favourable. The accused boys rtere brought before the Children’s Court, and were charged with attempted murder. They were remanded for eight days to Bal-

larat. Anderson’s mother applied for bail for her son, but was refused. Both lads were further charged with larceny of a cashhox at a local store, con tailing £6 odd.