THE DOUBLE MURDER AND SUICIDE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1794, 20 November 1879, Page 2

THE DOUBLE MURDER AND SUICIDE.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. [Bv Telegraph.] WELLINGTON, November 19. Mr and Mrs Milller's throats were cut with a blunt carving knife, but another knife was found beside the body of the son. The room was full of pswder smoke when the people entered. The elder Miller was over sixty years old, and for many years was manager of the Bank of New South Wales in Wellington. Latterly he was in the Government Insurance Department. The only children here were two, the one found dead and another, both of whom were apprentices in Mills' foundry. There is insanity in tho family, another eon having recently committed suicide at Greymouth. Liter. The only other particulars that have transpired are, that it was Clarence, tho elder, not Randolph, who committed the terriblo deeds. He had been off work, having a bad finger. This morning ho seemed in his usual spirits, and went out, had his finger dressed, and obtained his father's mediciue. Yesterday ho was observed by their Eervant girl loading a gun, and in reply to her inquiry said he was going to shoot a cat to-day. di C'arence's return the servant gave the old man his medicine, and he went to Bleep. Clarence then told her she could go about her work. She then went to a lawn at the back of the house to take in some clothes, and after an absence of lees than a quarter of an hour came back, and saw Olarence at the back door sawing away at his throat with a carving knife. After shouting " Clarry, Clarry," she rushed for assistance, unconscious of what had been done inside, as she heard no noise while on the lawn. It appears that the gun was only loaded with powder, as the bedclothes where the old man lay were set on fire by the wadding. The body of the old gentleman was fearfully injured, as if the young fellow had smashed the gun over his father. The stock was lying on the bed and the barrel on the floor. It is conjectured that Mrs Miller was carrying some coals to the fire when attacked, as close to her body was a scuttle-full scattered about. The family were quiet, respectable, and affectionate, and both lads were nctive and industrious at their trade, although Clarence, who, as a rule, was cheerful and quiet, was subject to occasional fits of uncontrollable frenzy.