THE FENIAN ASSASSIN.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 203, 25 March 1868, Page 2

THE FENIAN ASSASSIN.

The miscreant, O'Farrell, who awaits the retribution of the law at Sydney, for his murderous attack xipon Princo Alfred, is the third son of a man, known many years ago in Melbourne when it was nothing more than a more villago—so far back we believe as a quarter of a century ago—as the general tax-gatherer of the town. He managed to amass some wealth, it was believed, by buying up-at first petty, and afterwards more considerable properties, belonging fo persons in difficulties, and dying left three sons behind him, of whom P. A - C. O'Farrell was the eldest and the inheritor of his wealth. This son cliobc the law as his profession, and was articled to the firm of Stephen (Frank) and Miller, solicitors, of Swanston street. Ho ;> fterwards became a partner with Mr T. B. Payne and the firm carried on business in Little Collins street. At this time O'Farrell was a prosperous man, keeping his carriage and pair, and great style. He succeeded in buying Mr Payne out of the business ; but after that gentleman's return from Europe, a series of disclosures begun which resulted in P. A. C. O'Farrell's ultimate departure from the Colony, being at the time, we believe, under bail to answer some criminal charge. Mr O'Farrell's second son took holy orders as a Catholic clergyman. The' third sou is the man who—according to our telegram—attempted the murder of the Duke of Edinburgh in Sydney. According to some accounts we have received, this man was for some time a law clerk in Stephen and Miller's office, and afterwards for some years in various solicitor's offices in Melbourne. Another account represents the William O'Farrell, of Sydney infamy, as one of the three sons who entered the church —never, however, having been admitted beyond the rank of sub-deacon. No doubt there are many parties amongst us to whom the O'Farrell family will have been known, and who will be able to furnisb us with more information respecting them.