THE EAST COAST TRAGEDY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 146, 11 June 1908, Page 2

THE EAST COAST TRAGEDY

THE VICTIM'S CONDITION. HER DEPOSITIONS. SYMONS ARRESTED, Per I'resß Association. Gisborne, Wednesday. The condition of Hie girl Petersen continues critical. The bullet lias been extracted from the region of the heart. It is feared the girl will not last through the day. The engagement between her ana Symons had been broken off, and it is stated Syniona had been pestering her for the return of some money lie had advanced her. ,

Miss Petersen in her depositions says that Symons had asked her for the money. She replied that she iiad none. lie asked her to get some from Shaw, tile licensee of the hotel. She declined, saving she could not ask for what she had not earned. Symons tihen drew the revolver, and pointing it at her said, "Take (illis!" He then fired two shots, and both took effect. Harry Mays', a hotel employee, hearing the shots, rushed to the scene and found Symons about to fire a third shot into his own head. Mays struck, the man a blow on the arm and the revolver

liseliarged into the air. When the licensee appeared, it. is aleged, Symons remarked, "Jack, I have lone it, and I aiu not sorry." Walter S.viuons has been brought to town and charged with attempted murder. Probably he will be brought before the Court to-morrow. FURTHER PARTICULARS. A PATHETIC SCENE. Gisborne, Last Night. The Rev. Father Lane returned from Pakarae at mid-day, having made the journey thither to tender spiritual consolation to the sufferer. The rev. gentleman confirms the particulars already given. Mr. Barten, the Magistrate, happened to be all the hotel at the time, travelling on his coastal circuit, and he was particularly kind and assistance all night. Father Lane says Miss Petersen wis perfectly conscious, but at the time of his leaving her condition was still very critical. Her motther and two brothers from town were with her.

A pathetic scene, the rev. gentleman stated, occurred when accused was taken to tiie patient's l room 10 near I,a appositions. The spark of love, even through it all, had not been extinguished, and looking up into his face she asked:, "Walter, why did yon do this?" Her reply, as the rev. gentleman heard it, waff, lt l did it.' Seemingly unmoved, the prisoner added, "This room is close," and walked awn v.

Sytnoiis had been keeping company with Miss Petersen for over a year, and lie was to have been married, but it was put oil" till Easter, and subsequently broken off. The consequent disappointment Synions experienced was, as far as Father Lane could ascertain, the solo motive for his alleged action. LATEST NEWS. THE CURL'S CONDITION. A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT.

Gisbornc. Last Night, lhe victim in the Pakarae shooting case is to be operated on to-morrow morning, with a view to extracting! the ■bullet, which is supposed to be embedded ill the back of the skull.

The latest medical advice is to the cjfect that Miss Petersen's condition shows improvement, and there is now a slight hope of lier recovery.