DAM WORKER KILLED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19094, 12 August 1925, Page 13

DAM WORKER KILLED.

STRANGE SHOOTING CASE. MAN'S UNACCOUNTABLE ACT. A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE, Aug. 11. A sensational shooting fatality occurred at Bacchus Marsh. A labourer employed at Greystone station fired several shots at his mates, killing ono and wounding two. Twelve men were working at Greystone repairing a dam and frequently teased Thomas Ferguson, who, it is said, was "a weo bit simple." Yesterday Ferguson decided not to work, as ho wanted to shoot rabbits. Ho was given 'leave by tho contractor and left the camp apparently in tho best of spirits. Just beforo work ceased for the day he appeared about 30yds. from tho dam dramatically waving a repeating riflo, but saying nothing. Ho raised it to his shoulder and pointed at his workmates. Thinking ho was joking tho men merely laughed. Ferguson pulled tha trigger and William Smith, of Prahran, fell mortally wounded. Turning the muzzle of the riflo in the direction of Charles McGowan, Ferguson fired again and hit him in the shoulder. Then ho shot Thomas Riddout in the arm. Although he was bleeding freely, Riddout rushed at Ferguson and grappled with him in an attempt to wrest the rifle away. A fierce struggle followed, in which the other workmen joined. Ferguson was overpowered and handed over to the police. Later he was charged with murder. He was remanded until August 19.