ASSAULT ON LADY BOWEN. (Melbourne Argus, 16th August.)

Evening Post, Volume XIV, Issue 50, 28 August 1876, Page 2

ASSAULT ON LADY BOWEN. (Melbourne Argus, 16th August.)

. One oi those strange freaks often perpetrated by insane people against persons holding a high station in society occurred last evening, and though at the time oi a very disagreeable nature, it was fortunately not attended with any serious consequences. As Lady Bowen and some lady friends, accompanied by Major Pitt, were entering the Athenceum-hall to attend the concert and dramatic performance given by the members of the University, a woman suddenly rushed forward, and exclaiming, " I'll teach you to insult me ; lam a lady, and not a play actor," seized Lady Bowen by the head and pulled her hair down. Lady Bowen, alarmed at the suddenness of the onslaught, screamed for assistance, and Mr. W. H. Anderson, clerk of the peace, who happened at the time to be waiting for some friends, ran forward and caught the woman and gave her into charge of Constable Griffin, who came up instantly. The affair lasted only a few seconds, and beyond the surprise and a little fright Lady Bowen did not suffer any inconvenience. Lady Bowen did not think fit, in the dishevelled condition of her hair, to stay and witness the performance, and drove back to Government House, though she afterwards regretted she had not remained. His Excellency the Governor intended being present at tho performance, but ho had joined a private shooting party on Mr. W. J. Clarke's estate at Sunbury, and having made a mistake about the train, did not arrive in town till after 8 o'clock. On being taken to the lock-up, the woman gave the name of Esther Grey, and said she was the niece of Dr. Black. She said she had followed tho occupation of a fortune-teller in Bouyerie-street, Carltc.: She was dressed in a quiet manner, and did not seem to be under the influence of drink. On being questioned as to her reason for her misbehaviour, she said that Lady Bowen had promised to call on lief on Monday and had neglected to do so, and she merely -wished to know the reason for this neglect. She also said that Lady Bowen had invited her to Government House on Saturday last, and then would not receive her. On inquiry it appeal's that this woman had been at Government House lately, applying for relief, when she stated that she was a niece of Dr. Black, who was at present in England. On being informed that tho gentleman she named was still in Victoria, she said she would not speak to him on account of a family quarrel. On Saturday last she went to Government House, and ringing the boll in a very violent manner, demanded to see Lady Bowen, but was told by the footman that she would have to apply to the Treasury if she wanted relief. The woman is evidently insane, and it is fortunate that her mad freak has not resulted in any serious consequences. Lady Bowen did not suffer in tho least from the sudden and extraordinary assault. Esther Grey will be brought before the Police Court this morning. [The prisoner has since been committed to the Lunatic Asylum.]