THE SWAM MURDER

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1495, 1 July 1905, Page 3

THE SWAM MURDER

1 SUDDEN AND SAVAGE ATTACK Press Asooeiatioja.) Invercargill, last night. An inquest on the body of Mary Ann Iwann bas boon proceeding all day, or husband, Daniel Swan, acoused of lurdering her, being present in custody, Medioal men said that Swan appeared „j be quite rational whan they oxamined I him after tho tragedy. The evidence *?ras to the effect that Swan made the fatal assault without tho slightest warning or quarrel, tho ouly words that the daughter Rboda heard previously being a question by the father as to whether she (Mrs Swan) intended to have a party before their bod, who was going to England last Saturday, Btartad. Mrs Swan replied that “ she had been thinking about it. Why did ho ask ? ” Rhoda did not hear the reply. Soon after acoused rose, took a flat iron from the fire, and struck deceased —who was sitting darning with her back to him -a terrible blow on the back of the haad. After bis arrest Swan’s remarks in the Police oamp indicated that he was jealous of Clark, tho lodger, who was youDg enough to he his wife’s son. The evidence of all the family was emphatically against such statements 11.55 p.m. The jory has just returned a verdict of wilful murder against Swan, and commanded Rhoda, aged 13, for her brave attempt to Btay her father’s attaok. The girl is in the hospital with a broken thumb and a scalp wound sustained in the struggle- She gave her evidence with great clearness.