AN OTAGO TRAGEDY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3356, 10 January 1879, Page 2

AN OTAGO TRAGEDY.

(Prom the Own OorrespondtntZof the LytUlton Timu. 1 Dukbdin, Jan. 9. A Sfc. Bathans' telegram received in town gives the following particulars of an attempted murder and suicide: — On Jan. 8 Mrs Waldrean was riding on horseback in. company with a friend, who was driving m

reaping machine. When on the loneliest part ofthe road between Ophir and Black's, * spot with huge rooks towering all round, a Man, supposed to be the woman's husband, jumped from an ambush and presented a shot run at her. At this time she was a little Behind her friend, and called out: "Don't shoot, Waldrean," at the same time bending her head under the cover of her horse's neck to protect her head and face. Waldrean immediately fired, and the contents of the gun lodged principally in her right arm, which was fearfully lacerated. The horse she was riding was struck in the shoulder by the shot, and the horse drawing the machine bolted. When her friend heard the report he looked round and saw her fall, and Waldrean rapidly re-loading his gun. He lifted her up and carried her to a Mrs Low's residence. She waß in a very weak state and bleeding copiously. The next morning a Bearch party went out to arrest Waldrean, and found he had shot himself, his dead body being discovered behind a rock. The injured woman is now lying at the Commercial Hotel, St. Bathans, under the care of the local surgeon, who thinks it will be passible to save her arm. Waldrean had been away for two years, during which time he had not contributed to the support of his wife and family. Mrs Waldrean, who has resided in the distriot for fourteen years, is greatly respected and noted for her industry.