MURDER IN SYDNEY.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 95, 22 April 1924, Page 5

MURDER IN SYDNEY.

OLD MAN KILLS SON-IN-LAW. PISTOL BATTLE WITH POLICE. MURDERER SHOOTS HIMSELF. (By Cable. —rress Association—Copyright.) (Received 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. William Datson, aged 74 years, fatally shot his son-in-law, George Hawkins, aged 51 years, with a revolver, and then shot himself, at their residence, North Sydney. Mrs. Hawkins, who is a step-daughter of Datson, informed the police that she was iv a downstairs room with her husband, when he went upstairs to get a pipe and met Datson, who was highly excited, holding a revolver, on the stairs Ho suddenly fired, shooting Hawkins in tbe heart and killing him instantly. Mrs. Hawkins rushed into the street to secure assistance. When she returned Datson was on the balcony still carrying the revolver. The. police were then sent for, and on their arrival Datson refused to put his hands up, and fired from the balcony at the police, who returned the fire and nished the house. Datson then entered his room. He refused to open the door, and the police fired another shot. Then, hearing a shot.from within, they forced the. door and found Datson on the floor wounded in the arm and mouth. He had been in Ibad health for some time. He is in the hospital in a serious condition. (A. and N.Z. Cable.) DATSON QUEER IN HEAD. RESULT OF AN INJURY. SYDNEY, this day. Datson's mind was somewhat unhinged following upon an assault suffered when employed as a night watchman. He was subject to delusions. It is alleged that Datson accused Hawkins of taking Ms tobacco. It is expected that Datson will recover.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) ' ___!-