Menzies – A Murderous Assault

Tragedy at Menzies.

A shocking tragedy occurred at Menzies on Sunday night. About 10.30 o’clock the attention of persons in Shenton street was attracted by loud screams proceeding from a shop kept by Frank Walton. Several persons rushed to the place. They burst open the door and found the proprietor lying on the floor, having been dreadfully assaulted. As they entered the perpetrator of the crime escaped through the back of the shop, leaving behind an iron bar about 14 inches in length with which he had belaboured his victim.
The services of Dr. Duncan were at once sought and the doctor found that Walton, who was conscious, was suffering from four deep wounds on the head, one on each side of the forehead. There was an ugly gash extending to the top of the head, while above the left eye and on the side of the head were two other wounds. The injuries appeared to be of the most serious nature, and it seemed extraordinary that Walton could retain consciousness, but he told those about him what had occurred. He repeated several times that his assailant was a man named Peter Bremner, whom, he said, be would have thought the last man to do such a thing, he (Walton) having done him a favour. As Walton had sustained such grievous injuries it was deemed advisable to take his depositions and as soon as Sub-Inspector Wood was acquainted with the fact that Peter Bremner was named as the person guilty of the assault he sent Constable Lean to the man’s camp in Beaumont Street, to see if he was there. Lean was accompanied by Mr. Butler, the mining registrar.

After a brief absence Mr Butler returned and reported that he and Constable Lean, on going to the camp, found Bremner lying on the floor apparently lifeless with a razor between his legs and his throat cut from ear to ear. Dr. Duncan immediately proceeded to the camp and pronounced life extinct.

BREMNER’S HISTORY

Bremner was quite a young man, aged 25yrs, and was generally popular. He had played cricket and football in Menzies clubs for several seasons, and was an adept at both pastimes. Last season he was captain of the Friday-Crusoe cricket club, and was liked by all players and others with whom he came in contact. This season he had not been playing cricket, and it was generally understood that he was to be married in a few weeks’ time. He was a blacksmith employed at the Crusoe mine, and was a good steady worker, never having been known to be under the influence of drink. He was from Elmore in Victoria and had been in WA for only 3 years. He was the son of David Bremner and Euphemina Gibson.

An inquest into the cause of death of Peter Bremner was opened yesterday and adjourned until a later date.

DYING DEPOSITIONS   –   WALTON’S STATEMENT.

Walton, who is between 60 and 70 years of age, is recognised as a straight-going, honest man:- The following is the statement made and subscribed by Mr. Walton, before Dr. S. V. Duncan, J.P. : — Six months ago I lent Peter Bremner £50. He came in to pay me last night, Saturday, 10th inst. He paid me £52 10s, of which £2 10s was interest. He left with me a life policy and a promissory note, which he said he would call again and get. I saw him this evening again, and he said he would call in again and get it. He called in again about 20 minutes past 10 this evening. I opened the door of the shop and he came in with me. I opened the safe, got out the life policy and the promissory note, and handed them to him. I then went to open the shop door to let him out, when he asked me if I could cash a £30 cheque. I said “Yes.” I then went to the safe and opened it, and was taking out the cash box when he hit me with a small bar of steel about a foot long. ‘ said, ”Good God! What do you mean?” and he hit me twice again with the bar. I began to sing out, and he dropped the bar of iron and caught me by the throat and tried to choke me. After that I recollect nothing. I have no doubt in my mind about Peter Bremner being the man.