THE KAIAPOI MURDERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2771, 15 May 1916, Page 6

THE KAIAPOI MURDERS

SUPPOSED MOTIVE FPU THB CRIME. By Teleeranh.-Pros? Association. Christchurch, May 13, An examination conducted to-day showj) that Mrs. Holland was evidently attacked iii the yard outside the back door and dragged head foremost into the house. Mr. Holland, it is presumed, was attacked in the trapshed, where the body was found, and fought hard for life. His arm was dislocated in two places. The tra"cd\r probably occurred on the evening ° o'f .Thursday. There is a . considerable amount of circumstantial evidence bearing out the assumption that Mr. Holland brought JCIOOO from Christchurch on Thursday afternoon in a small brown bag. It appears likely that-he'would make no secret of the i'aot that lie had a large sum of money in his possession. On previous, occasions wheal he had. large large sums he had shown the money to friends and acquaintances. About .filf in cash was found in the pockets when the body was discovered. Tho little boj Cyril Holland has been brought to Christ church, where a relative is taking car* of him. As a result of a post-mortem examina. tion, it was found that. Mrs.- Holland suffered a fracture of the skull over the right cyo. Mr. Holland sustained a fracture of the skull on the top of the head and the back of the head. The weapon. supposed to have been used, a short length of piping, was found under the house. It is suggested in the Kaiapoi district that tho Government offer a substantial reward for the apprehension of the murderer.

An .inquest was fornally opened this evening before Mr. T. A. 13. Bailey, district coroner. Evidence was given identifying the bodies, and the 1 inquest was adjourned, on tho application of Chief Detective Herbert, until Wednesday, May 21.