Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis Telegram and Dorset, Somerset, and Devon Advertiser. — 1880-09-17 (Bridport, Dorset, England)

SHOOTING A WIFE AND HER FRENCHMAN. In the Melbourne Opera-house on Saturday night, John James WGregor Greer shot his wife (Annioe thaw) and Louis Soudry, who was sitting with her, and then attempted to commit suicide. The work which was being performed when the occurrence amazed the audience was " The Huguenots." Before the commencement of the piece Greer and his wife entered the dress circle and took seats. Soudry also visited the same division with some friends, and sat further to the right. Nothing transpired to attract special attention towards either of the three. Shortly before the termination of the fourth act Greer, who was, however, suffering from great perturbation of mind, left his seat, and, after walking very excitedly behind the seats, proceeded to the bar beyond the veld/bale. He there had something to drink, and returned to the theatre; but in the meantime Soudry Joined Mrs. Greer and entered into conversation with her. the husband saw the change which had taken place in his absence he became palpably agitated. The curtain desponded on the fourth act at about a quarter past ten o'clock. Greer was seen to go to the opposite side of the circle to that upon which his wife and Soudry were seated,- and to soon them closely. Almost immediately afterwards he returned in the direction of his seat, but when near a narrow passage close by he stopped behind them, drew a revolving pistol from his pocket and fired, first at Soudry, who had slightly turned, and was almost facing him, and than at his wife. The entire assemblage seemed to arise simultaneously. Shrieks denoted the trepidation of the females, and shouts the consternation of the men, for, with the exception of a very few, none seemed to know the cause of the sudden outbreak. Those gentlemen who were near the assassin, when they became aware of his death-dealing intention seised him, but before he was disarmed he diaoluir the contents of another chamber of the revolver in air, and a fourth into his right ear. He staggered and fell, and was then laid on the floor nearer the door. His victims were both severely hurt, the woman being struck under the left ear, and the man in the right cheek. They were attended to as soon as the first tumult had mired away. The place where they sat was bespattered with blood, and they were lying helplem upon the bench. On the way to the hosimttal, Greer asked Mr. Thomimson. who was with him. if he had killed his wife and particularly inquired if he had succeeded in his attempt upon.his wife. Greer and his wife and Soudry had been from Eugland in the steamer Gamine, and an up between the two letter, which was not apTid by the husband. When questioned about Bon Mrs. Greer replied, "I will live with him as s mhams, and would like to see who would dam prevent me from doing se.' She added" My husband is a coward; why does he not duel him f Soudry wants to fight him." In reply to another question, she said that she hated her husband. When sand why he committed the deed, Greer said that when he arrived home on Saturday afternoon his wife said that she had had improper intimacy with Soudry every afternoon since she had been in Melbourne at the United Service Club Hotel, in Carlton ; that at nights on board ship she used to leave her cabin and sleep with Soudry; that she had also done so at Capetown ; and she concluded by telling her husband to do his beet. Greer is • clerk by occupation, and Soudry is a commissioner from the French Reoublic, charged with the representation of that nation at the forthcoming International Exhibition. The former is a well built man, of prepossessing appearance, and. as described by those who have known him since his arrival, is of exceedingly gentlemanl dezoineunaneour, and most temperate in habita His wife, not what would be called a beautiful woman, nevertheless crp. sufficient to justify her orbeid as good-looking, and the general expressi!lnoll her farm and figure is mgagEtanciShe is of • French parentage, but Wag eV a:1; A., and wa, married male infant seventeent° menthe old, who is the only issue of the was brought by them to the oolony. Greer is 17 years of age, and is the eon of • Presbyterian clergyman residing at Anahilt. Hillsborough, Co. Down, Ireland. Mrs. Greer and M. Soudry are recovering, but Mr. Greer has succumbed to his self-inflicted injury. M. Soudry has nrdgned his position on the French Commission of the Exhidition.