PALM ISLAND TRAGEDY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18491, 5 February 1930, Page 9

PALM ISLAND TRAGEDY.

TWO PEOPLE SHOT. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) BRISBANE. February 3. Two black boys rowed from Palm Island, North Townsville, to the mainland, and reported that Dr. Maitland Patterson had been shot in the thigh, and the matron of the hospital through the neck. Both were in a serious condition. An official who lost his wife recently and became demented, is said to have been responsible for the shooting. Police and medical aid have been sent to the island.

FOOD SUPPLIES GONE. SITUATION CRITICAL. (United Tress Association—By Electric Teleeranh—Copyright.) (Received February 4, 7.34 p.m.) BRISBANE. February 4. The man who ran amok wfth a revolver on Palm Island is stated to be R. H. Currie, who has lived on the island for twelve years. According to information brought to the police by black boys, after shooting Dr. Patterson, medical officer in charge of the native hospital, and Mrs PatterEon, who acted as matron, Currie set fire to the stores and office, and the superintendent’s and his assistant’s quarters, which were completely destroyed. He burned the motor boat belonging to the settlement and escaped in another craft to an adjacent island. With all the food supplies gone, nine hundred aborigines resident on Palm Island, are in sad straits, and the wounded officials being in a serious condition, made the situation critical. The native crew therefore undertook the hazardous journey to the mainland, which was safely accomplished despite the heavy seas. CURRIE SHOT DEAD. x SON AND DAUGHTER MURDERED. (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received February 4, 11.35 p.m.) BRISBANE, February 4. The police have returned from Palm Island with Dr. Patterson and his wife. The latter was able to walk. They had a terrifying experience. The police ascertained, that Currie, after. running amok, went to Fantome Island and killed his daughter, aged 20, and his son aged 10, and burned the home. Then when returning to Palm Island the natives shot him dead while landing. The bodies of the daughter and son were found in the ruins of the home adjoining the island. Currie evidently was greatly worried over complaints of his treatment of the natives.