A MAD TOWN CLERK.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4647, 14 February 1894, Page 3

A MAD TOWN CLERK.

tie Does Some Shooting, His Mini's Condition C'itical Sydney, February 12, A tragedy occurred in tho Burwood Borough Council Chambers this morning, when Redfern, Clerk of the Council, shot Paisley, tho Mayor. Bad blood had existed for some months past between Redfern and several of the Councillors, and the latter allege that they were harassed by tbe Clerk into resigning. While tho Mayor was engaged signing documents Redfern Bhot him behind the ear, and Paisley, instead of running into the street, ran into the strong room. Redfern followed, and fired three more shots into his body, and then blew out his own brains. So far as known, there was no quarrel between Redfern and Paisley, and the crime is described as merely the act of a madmnn. Three loaded revolvers were found on Redfern's body. He had frequently threatened to shoot the Mayor, having of late conceivod a strong dislike for him. • Paisley had just concluded his term of office yesterday, and came to tho Council Chambers to prepare his report. Redfern had previously expressed his determination not to assist him in preparing a report, aud bad destroyed all minutes of the Council since the municipality was created, All accounts of the Borough are posted p accurately to date, Invehoargill, February 12, Paisley was about twelve yeare ago head of the firm of Paisley and Co here, now Guthrie and Co (Ltd). A late resident of Burwood, now here, says that Redfern was a superior man, but that he had been badgered by one or two councillors, whom he had bowled out in matters of tendering for municipal works in the names of others. Paisley always supported Redfern in these matters. Tuisley was well liked while here, being alert, and throwing himsell heartily into public business, Redfern recently recovered substantial damages for libel from a councillor of Burwood.