A MAYOR SHOT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 16

A MAYOR SHOT.

DEATH OF MR PAISLEY.

Press Association -By Telegraph— Copyright. Sydney, February 12. A tragedy occurred ia the Burwood Council Chambers this morning, when Redfern, clerk of the council, shot Mr Paisley, the mayor. Bad blood had existed for some months past between Redfern and saveral of the councillors, and the latter are alleged to have harassed the clerk into resigning. He was to vacate office on the 24th inst. His mind was apparently unhinged, and he had been carrying firearms for several days He hadj>een assiduously working the_njUciOipal "election^ tif-getr favourable to himself elected, but the result on Saturday was dead against him. While the mayor was engaged in signing documents, Redfern shot him behind the ear, and Paisley, instead of running into the street, ran into the strong room. Redfern followed and fired three more shots into the mayor's body, and then blew out his own brains. The doctors believe that none of the mayor's wounds are fatal. So far as is known there was no quarrel between Redfern and Paisley, and the crime is described as merely the act of a madman. Two of the bullets fired at the mayor (Mr Paisley) entered his back — one in the region of the lungs and the other near the kidneys. His condition is regarded as extremely critical. After firing two shots it is alleged that Radfern drew a stiletto, badly cutting the mayor's hands. February 13. Three loaded revolvers were found on the body of Redfern, who shot Mr Paisley, the mayor of Burwood. He had frequently threatened to shoot the mayor, having of late conceived a strong dislike to him. Paisley had just concluded his term of office yesterday, and went to the Council Chambers to prepare his report. Redfern had previously expressed his determination nob to assist him in preparing the report, and had destroyed all the minutes of the council sinoe the municipality was created, and all accounts to date. Mr Paisley, the mayor who was shot at Burwood, has succumbed to his wounds. At the inquest on the body of Redferc, who shot him, a verdict of " Suicide while temporarily insane " waß returned. Mr Paisley was an old Otago resident. With Messrs Murcott and D. M'Kenzie he was contractor for a section of the Main Trunk railway north of Palmerston. He afterwards entered the service of Messrs Guthrie and Larnach in Dunedin, and some time later went to Invercargill.