SETTLING A FEUD WITH A REVOLVER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2331, 3 November 1898, Page 22

SETTLING A FEUD WITH A REVOLVER.

ONE WOMAN SHOOTS AT ANOTHER.

ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER. WELLINGTON, October 27. A sensational shooting affair occurred about 4 o'clock this afternoon in Messrs ; Kirkcaldie and Stains's drapery establishment, Lambton Quay. A woman named Mrs Annie M'William entered the refreshment room upstairs, and immediately producing an old-fashioned six-chambered revolver, fired three shots at Mrs Dick, who was in charge of the room. Two of the shots missed, but the third hit her in the side. Fortunately the corsets she was wearing turned the direction of the bullet, and it glanced off her ribs, making only a slight contusion. Her corsets probably saved her life. The two other bullets were subsequently found embedded in the door of the room. After firing the shots Mrs M'William calmly walked downstairs, and on being stopped by one of the assistants said, " Yes, I did it ; here's the pistol." On the police being sent for Mrs M'William, who is about 40 years of age, was arrested on a charge of attempted murder, and lodged in the police cells. Mrs M'William is said to have had a longstanding grievance against Mrs D-ick, and the latter felt so apprehensive of Mrs M*William doing her some harm that on previous occasions she had left the refreshment room when Mrs M'William entered. Mrs Dick, who is well known on the West Coast, is an elderly woman. Later particulars show that it was the first shot which struck Mrs Dick. Immediately ifc was fired she rushed from the door and banged it in Mrs M'William's face. The latter fired two more shots through the door, the bullets whizzing past Mrs Dick and a young lady who was standing near. Mis Dick's injuries are so flight that she will be able to resume her ordinary duties to-morrow. Mrs M'Willifi.m is also an old West Coaster, and tha grievance she had against Mrs Dick ia stated to be in connection with a, hotel transaction in Eeefton several years ago. Mrs M'William's husband is at present in Christchurch.. The police officials say her behaviour in the cells to-night kvt.ls"lhem to have serious doubtr as to her sanity.