FARMER RUNS AMOK

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1928, Page 2

FARMER RUNS AMOK

SEQUEL TO MAINTENANCE ORDER (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. (i. A sensational affair occurred at Kirwee. thirty miles from Christchurch, to-night. John Duncan, a farmer well known in the district, ran amok on Ids return from the city to lbs home. He discharged his employees, burned his hou.se and outbuildings, seven stocks of oaten hay and five of out sheaves, and his motor-ear. After this he disappeared. taking lii.s two-year-old sou with him. He was found again at 8.30 o’clock near the remains of the farm buildings, with a deep gn-li in his arm. and was immediately arrested and brought in ( liristeliureh. The child was found drowned in a water race some distance from the buildings, about nine o'clock. There were no marks of violence on the body. Duncan was admitted to the hospital to-nighi. Duncan came to Christchurch to-day to attend the Magistrate's Court where, on the application of lbs wile, who had left him turee months ago, separation, maintenance and guardianship orders were made against him, the maintenance being fixed at £3 weekly lor the wife and two children.

Returning to the farm, which is four miles Iroin Kirwee, Duncan said. " 1 lost ray ease to-day. I'm getting out of this to-night.” He 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 buildings. Nothing was saved. The damage is estimated at least £2.000. •It is understood that at present no charge is being preferred against Duncan.