A SYDNEY TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8046, 12 February 1906, Page 2

A SYDNEY TRAGEDY.

EXCITING REVOLVER FIGHT. POLICE ENGAGE AN ARMED KANAKA. ONE POLICEMAN KILLED. AN HEROIC RESCUE. THE MURDERER SUICIDES. NARROW ESCAPES. Received 12, 12. to a.m. Sydney, February 11. An exciting tragedy occurred to-day in the main thoroughfare at Newton, one of the most populous suburbs, by which a policeman lost his life aud the murderer killed himself after shooting at several of those seeking to capture him. The tragedy seems to be the outcome of kindness and charity shown by a widow, Mrs Fenwick, and her family, some years ago, to Tommy, a native of 'fauna, New Hebrides. Tommy was allowed to occupy a detached room and was kept in food. He recently became <]uarrelsomo aud threatened the family. Having, purchased a revolver and a Winchester ropcating rille, Tommy demanded £4O which he said the Fcnwick's owed him. He then drew the revolver aud fired at Charles Fenwick. The weapon missed lire aud Fenwick retreated into the house, followed by the infuriated native.

Femvick closed with him, and struggled for the ■ possession of the rifle, which the native wan now seeking to use. Femvick's l>rotliei- came to liis assistance and got the rifle. Ho un. loaded one cartridge, without observing the other iu the magazine. The nativo rushed the second brother and regained the rifle. Ho fired point blank at tho younger brother, but the rifle missed fire.

The Fenwicks' rushed 011 to the street, and two constables' arrived on the scene. Looking in the front door Constable Wallace saw the black crouching in tho passage. Wallace called out: "What's the matter, old man." The answer was a shot.

A\ allaee fell with a shot through the abdomen..* Constable Mauusell returned the fire and the Kauaka retreated lo the front room.

Mauusell fired again and several more constables arrived. One held out a helmet a few inches beyond the door and two shots landed on it.

Wallace was still alive, lying in tho hall, where the Kanaka held command. Constable Charlton determined to rescue Wallace. He dashed in, and seizing Wallace, liftel him out, expecting any moment to receive a shot.

The nigger then 10.-ked himself iu tho kitchen, and three constables stationedfthemselves, with revolvers, levelled, while one smashed in a panel of the kitchen door The nativo fired point blank at Charlton and missed'hini, lie then tired two shots at Constable Iruseott, the bullets going thi'ough'his gillie.

The police then fired a volley, 0110 Imllctt hitting the nigger on the shin and another on the thigh. Charlton pushed the door open and the Kanaka retreated to the bath room. I ballon, following, culled on him lo surrender. The murderer called out something about money, adding that he was going to shoot himself. He then lircd a shot into his stomach, dying instantly. Altogether about twenty shots were tired. Wallace was found to have two shots iu tin? abdomen, and his shoulder was sheltered by a third. He died on reaching the hospital. Enormous crowds viewed the affair amidst intense cxciluicnt.