“Don’t Smoke.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XV, Issue 215, 10 December 1925, Page 5

“Don’t Smoke.”

MELBOURNE CAFE TRAGEDY. SHOT DEAD BY STRANGER. Melbourne, Dec. 9. While two electricians, Ernest Williams (25) and Jeane Macßobertson, both Americans, were launching at a cafe a man at a nearby table told them not to smoke. Words followed and Williams left the table and walked outside. The man followed and after an argument, it is alleged, the stranger put his hand in his. hip pocket. Williams made a blow at him and tried to grasp the hand in the pocket. The stranger is alleged to have pulled a revolver wrapped in a handkerchief from his pocket and fired at Williams, the bullet piercing his heart. The stranger ran away, but a constable who was sitting in a shop on tho opposite side of the road pursued and arrested him. Later William R. Wallace, of Melbourne. was charged with murder.

LATER DETAILS. (Received 10 ,11.45 a.m.) Melbourne, Dec. 10. Williams was murdered in daylight in the crowded street. When AVallace left the restaurant Williams accosted him and asked him to apologise. The mon struggled, and Wallace kicked Williams on the body, and then drew back and shot him. He made no determined effort to escape. Williams and Macßobertson were in business together as electricians.