Dynamite Outrage at Nelson

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXI, Issue 8835, 15 July 1905, Page 1

Dynamite Outrage at Nelson

By Telegraph. Nelson, July 14. At the Murchison Courthouse this morning, while the civil case of Neame v. Sewell was proceeding, defendant dynamited the Court, blew himself to atoms, and badly injured Police Inspector Wilson and a, man named Bunn. All tho windows in the vicinity were shattered, and the front of the Courthouse was blown out. TheTe are no further details yet. There was a tragic ending of a. court case at Murchison this morning. Mr Kenrick was holding a. sitting in Downie's. Hall at Murchison, and the hearing of a case Neame v. Sewel 1 for the recovery of two head of cattle was proceeding, when Sewel! became violently excited, and made a remark that aroused the suspicion of the Court. The Magistrate thereupon reasoned with Sewell. and advised him to go outside and calm himself. Police-Inspector Wilson and Constable Scott followed Sewell, with the intention of arresting him, and whilst the Inspector was talking to him Sewell fired an explosive which was in his waistcoat pocket. Inspector Wilson was injured by the explosion, and Elijah Bunn seriously injirred, while several bystanders were "knocked senseless. Inspector Wilson and Mr Bunn were standing alongside Sewell, and Constable Scott was standino- behind the Inspector. SeweU's body was blown to pieces, several portions being picked up a hundred yards away. Downie's Hall was considerably damaged, and the windows in several houses along the street • were broken. But for the Magistrate hav- , ino- advised Sewell to leave the Court, a i greater catastrophe must have occurred, • for had Sewell fired the explosive in the i building the heavy timbers of the roof > would certainly have fallen upen the people ' below. Dr Conlon, of Reefton, has been ■ sent for to attend the injured. Later.

Mt Burin has now regained consciousness, and his recovery is regarded as more hopeful. •