MURDER OF A MAYOR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2621, 15 February 1894, Page 1

MURDER OF A MAYOR.

Sydney, Feb. 12. A tragedy occurred in the Burwood Council Chambers this morning, when Mr Bedfern, clerk of the Council, shot Mr Paisley, the Mayor. Bad blood has existed for some months past between Bedfern and several of the councillors, and the latter are alleged to have harassed the clerk into resigning. He was to vacate office on the 24th inst. His mind was apparently unhinged, and he had been carrying firearms for several days. He had been assiduously working in the municipal elections to get candidates favorable to himself elected, but the result on Saturday was dead against him. While the Mayor was engaged signing documents, Bedfern shot him behind the ear. Mr Faißley, instead of running into the street, ran into the strong room, where Bedfern followed, and fired three more shots into his body, and then blew out his own brains. The doctors believe that none of the Mayor's wounds are fatal. So far as is known there was no quarrel between. Bedfern and Paisley, and the crime is described as merely an act of madness. Two of the bulletß fired at Mayor Paisley, entered the back; one in the region of the lung and the other near the kidneys. His condition is regarded as extremely critical. After firing the two shots it is alleged that Bedfern drew a stilletto, badly cutting the mayor's band. Feb. 13. Mayor Paisley, who was shot at Burwood, has succumbed to his wounds. At the inquest on the body of Bedfern, who shot him, a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned.

Three loaded revolvers-were found on Bedferu's body. He had frequently threatened to shoot the Mayor, having of late conceived a strong dislike for him. Mr Paisley had concluded his term of office yesterday, and came to the Council Chambers to prepare his report. Bedfern had previously expressed his determination not to assist him in preparing the report, and had destroyed all the minutes of the council since the municipality was created, and all accounts to date.

Invrucargill, Feb. 12

Mr Paisley, who was shot by Bedfern, town clerk at Burwood, Sydney, was,about 12 years ago, head of the firm of Paisley & Co, heiv, now Guthrie & Co,, Limited. A late resident of Burwood uow here says that Bedfern was a superior man, and whs badgered by one or two councillors whom he had bowled nut in matters of tendering for municipal works in tho name of others. Mr Paisley was well liked while here, being alert and throwing himself hoanily into public business. 'oJfern recently recovered substantial damages for libel from a councillor of Burwood.