SELWYN TRAGEDY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 118, 16 February 1928, Page 10

SELWYN TRAGEDY

FURTHER SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WIFE DISAPPEARS FROM HOME SEQUEL TO ATTEMPT ON HER LIFE Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, February 15. Without hat or coat, Mrs. Washbourne, wife of William Henry Washbourne, disappeared from her home at Selwyn yesterday afternoon, following the tragic happening of the previous night, when her husband shot himself after making an attempt on her life. A search party, accompanied by Constable R. Moriarty’, of Leeston, set out early this morning, but no trace of her was found. The party made inquiries in all directions from the house. Mrs. Washbourne’s parents at one time resided in Brookside, but it is understood that they left there some years ago, and that their present place of residence is unknown. Evidence at Inquest. An inquest was held at the home of the father, Mr. E. A. Washbourne, last evening by the Coroner (Mr. H. A. Young, S.M.). Edward A. Washbourne said that from September 8 until a fortnight ago,. W. H. Washbourne and his wife had lived apart by mutual separation. The son accepted his wife again, but he appeared to be worried. On Monday evening Mrs. Washbourne went to witness’s bedroom and said that “Bill” had fired a shot over her head. The son was found dead in a paddock. He had no worries except those concerning his wife. She left the house at 3.30 p.m. vesterday without hat or coat, and had not been found. There were four children, the youngest being thirteen months old- and the eldest seven years. Herbert L. Washbourne said that his brother had told him that his wife had been unfaithful. Yesterday morning when his brother’s wife saw the body she knfelt down by it and said several times: “Daddy, why did you miss me?” Deceased’s Will. Constable R. Moriarty produced the following letter which had been found in Washbourne’s pocket:—"My will, February 13, 1928. I leave all my property to my dear wee Joyce Meta, the dearest little child in the world. W. H. Washbourne. I gave -—- a paper on Sunday night, but I don’t know what I put in it. The are responsible for all this. ought to be ashamed of himself, as he knows I would end it all. is a dirty cur. I am doing this as I have no prospects in this world and no hope. My wife deliberately ruined my life, so good-bye all, and just forgive and forget, as death will be sweet to me. I am quite sane, but down and out. I have the courage of my convictions. Grandma, keep the wee children, and I will meet you all again some dav in a better world. With love to all, William Henry Washbourne. Don’t burv me with Floss. God will understand.” The constable said that Washbourne’s wife had admitted that she was the cause of the trouble. A verdict was returned that Washbourne had committed suicide by shooting. ’