ON THIS DAY – February 10, 1907
An apparent attempt at murder took place at North Prentice, 5km from Rutherglen, on this day in 1907. Joseph Deane, with his wife and family (two children, about 5 and 3 years of age), arrived at Rutherglen from Myrtleford, and put up at the Shamrock Hotel. The following day they visited the residence of Deane’s brother-in-law, McNeill and after being at McNeill’s for some time Deane noticed a pea rifle, and said he would have a shot. He was advised not to do so, as it was against the law on Sunday. Deane persisted, and placed a cartridge in the rifle. Mrs. Deane went into one of the bedrooms, and Deane followed her. Shortly afterwards McNeill heard a scream and the report of a rifle. He rushed to the door and met Deane who exclaimed, “Oh, shoot me.” McNeill took the rifle away, and Deane ran into the yard. McNeill went to the bedroom and found Mrs. Deane on the floor with blood flowing from a wound in her head, the bullet having entered behind one of the ears and passed through the jawbone. A neighbour discovered Deane in the corner shed with a gash in his throat. Deane and his wife were removed to the Corowa Hospital, New South Wales, the woman recovery, but Deane died. When Deane and his wife arrived at McNeill’s they appeared to be on very friendly terms, but Deane seemed worried. He said that he had a little trouble, conveying the idea that it was domestic trouble.