Obituaries Australia

A thrill of horror ran through the township of Longford yesterday morning when the tidings quickly circulated that Mr. Angus ("Tod") Archer, second son of the late Mr. Ludlow Archer, of Northbury, Longford, had been fatally shot on Sunday in Casey's bush, about 25 miles beyond Cressy.

It is difficult to ascertain exactly what actually happened prior to the unfortunate affair, owing to the mental excitement that followed the terrible occurrence, but it would appear as if the deceased, in company with Gordon Walklate, accountant, employed by W. T. Bell and Co., Launceston, and Horace Webster, one of the firm's auctioneers, had set out with the object of having a day’s shooting among the deer which have for years made a rendezvous on that part of the Western Tiers. It was, so it is stated, against the advice and exhortations of his companions that Archer, who was supposed to be acquainted with the country and the haunts of the deer, decided to make a detour to the rear of one of the mountains, and he became separated from the others, who were on the watch for any movement of their quarry in the scrub and fern. After waiting expectantly for a little time, and according to the information to hand, Walklate noticed a sudden movement in the ferns, and seeing an object which he thought to be a deer he fired, and what happened immediately the shot rang out conveyed the sad intelligence to the two young men that an awful mistake had been made, and that their companion had received the leaden missile. The scene that followed can be better imagined than described. The police were communicated with as soon as possible, and arrangements made for the body to be brought to the Ringwood Hotel at Cressy.

The deepest sympathy is felt for the widowed mother. Just two years ago the deceased lad's father died, and three months earlier the youngest son passed away after a brief illness. Only one son remains, and he is in the flying school in Victoria, preparing for active service. "Tod" Archer, who was 20 years of age, was a great favourite with everyone, and his untimely end is much deplored by all.