FARMER RUNS AMOK

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 110, 7 February 1928, Page 10

FARMER RUNS AMOK

RESULT OF LOSING COURT CASE BURNS BUILDINGS, ' STACKS, AND MOTOR-CAR DROWNS CHILD AND INJURES HIMSELF By Telegraph.—Press association. Christchurch, February 6. A sensational affair occurred at Kirwee, 30 miles from Christchurch, to-nigtit, when John Duncan, a farmer, well known in the district, ran amok. On his return from the city to his home, he discharged his employees, burned his house and outbuildings, seven stacks of oaten hay, and five of oat sheaves, and his motorcar. lifter this he dsappeared taking his two years old son with him. He was found again at 8.30 near the remains of his farm buildings with a deep gash in his arm, and was immediately arrested and brought to Christchurch. The child was found drowned in a water race some distance from the buildings at about 9 o’clock. There were no marks of violence on the body. Duncan was admitted to the hospital tonight.

Duncan came to Christchurch to-day to attend the Magistrate’s Court, where, on the application of his wife, who left him three months ago, separation, maintenance, and guardianship orders were made against him, maintenance being fixed at £3 weekly for the wife and two children. Returning to the farm, which was four miles from Kirwee Duncan said, “I lost my case to-day. I’m getting out of this to-night.” Fie then paid off his housekeeper, who left at once, and also three _ or four men employed harvesting. Shortly afterwards smoke was seen issuing from the farm buildings. Nothing was saved. The damage was estimated to be at least £2OOO.

It is understood that at present no charge is being preferred against Duncan.