Tragic Sequel to Family Split

Evening Star, Issue 19784, 7 February 1928, Page 6

Tragic Sequel to Family Split

Farmer Destroys Home and Car

Infant Son Found Drowned

Father Attempts Suicide

[Per United Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, February 6. A sensational affair occurred at Kirwee, thirty miles from Christchurch, to-night. tfohn Duncan, a farmer, well known in the district, ran amuk on his return from the city to his home. He discharged his employees, burned his home and outbuildings, seven stacks of oaten hay and five of oat sheaves, and hisSrnotor car.

Duncan was admitted to the hospital to-night.

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 a week for his wife and two children.

Returning to the farm, which is four miles from Kinvee, Duncan said: “I lost my case to-day. I’m getting ont of this to-night.”

After this he disappeared, taking bis two-year-old son with him. He was found again at 8.30 near the remains of the farm buildings with a deep gash in the arm. Ho was immediately arrested and brought to Christchurch. The child was found drowned in a water race some distance from the buildings about 9 o’clock. There wore no marks of violence on the body.

He then paid off' bis housekeeper, who left at once, and also three or four men who were employed harvesting. Shortly afterwards smoke was seen issuing from the farm buildings. Nothing was saved, and the damage is estimated at not loss than £2,001).