The Boort Tragedy.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 56, 7 March 1914, Page 5

The Boort Tragedy.

“YOUR DAY HAS COME I”

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST.

Melbourne, February 27

An inquest was held at lioort today into the deaths of Sydney Oswald Courts and George Appleby. The former was shot dead by Appleby, who subsequently committed suicide. The coroner returned a verdict of murder and suicide. The principal witness, John Christie, said that prior to the shooting Appleby, who had been employed as a cook at Contis’ station, had an argument with Courts respecting wages. Some time later witness and deceased (Contts) returned to the station from

Boort. Appleby walked up to the buggy with a gun at his shoulder, pointing it towards them. Witness said to Courts, “He will shoot us.” Coutts replied, “Mo he won't. Keep calm, and don’t worry.” Appleby exclaimed, “Get out, Scotty, or I will shoot you, too.” Both got out-.

Appleby was about three yards away from Coutts when he pointed the gun at him and said, “Yon tried to beat mo for my money.” Coutts replied, “Don’t be foolish,” and stepped aside, Appleby shouted, “Don’t move, your da\ lias come.” Coutts put his arm up to protect his face, and Appleby ured, .shooting Coutts under the shoulder. His master gave two or three '’Creams. \\ bile Appleby was re-load-ing witness went- to Coutts’ assistance. Appleby seized witness’s wrist, and, pointing the gun at his head, said “I have got a charge in the gnu for you’.’ U itness went down on his knees and said, “Give me a chance.” Appleby turned, and seeing Courts move, said, “1 will finish Coutts first.” Witness rook the opportunity to escape. The murderer then placed the gun which he had borrowed in his victim’s bedroom. Lie next entered the kitchen, and swallowed a dose of poison, ifter which he got into a buggy and -hove towards Boort. He became unconscious on the road, where he was 1 onnd by the doctor and a constable. Every effort was made to restore Apnleay, but he died three hours later. Dr. Webster stated that either of the

.'.ouuds received would have proved total, hut the immediate cause of death was the shot through the head, which had lacerated the brain. He ■>Fo attended Appleby, who had taken poison, but could not save him.