Saint Bathans is a former gold and coal mining town formerly named Dunstan Creek. It lies deep in the heart of the Maniototo in New Zealand's Otago region. Mining has long ceased, and it is a tranquil holiday retreat. The preservation of many of its historic buildings makes it one of the region's more picturesque tourist venues. St Bathans is well known for its scenic man-made lake with beautiful looking clay cliffs that attract many tourists.

lots of info with drawings & photos of Historic St Bathans


I recently found this article in the 'New Zealand Herald' of 10 January 1879.
the name Waldregom does not appear anywhere else in records I have searched. Maybe it is a misspelling. If you know of these people please leave a message in the comment box below

10 Jan 1879
... A suicide and attempted murder occurred on the 8th inst., between Ophir and Black's.
Mrs Waldregom was riding on horseback in company with a friend who was driving a reaping machine. They were going through one of the lonely parts of the road, with great rocks lowering all round, when suddenly a man, supposed to be Mrs Waldregom's husband, jumped out from ambush and presented a shot-gun at her. She was a little behind her friend and called out "Don't shoot me, Waldregom," bending her head under cover of the horse's neck to protect her face and breast. He immediately fired, and the contents of the gun lodged principally in her right arm, lacerating it to a frightful extent. Her horse, which received a portion of the shot in the shoulder, and that of her friend, bolted.

When her friend heard the report he looked round and saw Mrs Waldreom fall, and the man rapidly reloading his gun. He lifted the injured woman up and carried her to a Mrs Law's residence. She was very weak and bleeding profusely.

Next morning a search pary went out to arrest Waldregom and found his dead body behind a rock. He had shot himself.

Mrs Waldregom is now lying at the Commercial Hotel, St Bathans, under the care of a local surgeon, who thinks it wll be possible to save her arm.
Waldregom had been absent two years, during which time he had contributed nothing to the support of his wife and family.

Great sympathy is expressed in the district for Mrs Waldregom, who has resided there fourteen years, and is noted for her industry





PHOTO
Saint BATHANS, Otago in 1879