SHOCKING MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1930, Page 5

SHOCKING MURDER

OF WIFE BY HUSBAND

(By Telegrapn—Per Press Association.) TIMA.RU, Jan. 13.

A litMe farnihou.se situated in picturesque surroundings of Medley’s Curlier on Seadown road, seven miles Irom Timaru, was the scene of a terrible tragedy in 'the early hours oi this m ruing. Shortly after 6 o’clock Christina (Chrissy). Oldfield, a young married woman was murdered in bod by her husband', Jack Oldfield, a well-known Sc down farmer. The unfortunate woman was killed in her sleep by a blow from an axe, which struck her with terrific force on the left side of the head above the temple. Death was instantaneous.

Her husband was arrested and charged with murder and was remanded.

HUSBAND ATTEMPTS SUICIDE

ONLY MARRIED THREE WEEKS. TIMARU, January 13. ■ An attempt at suicide by Oldfield was frustrated by his elder brother Eklred Oldfield, who obtained possesion df a shot gun after a desperate struggle.

Following the tragic happening at Hedley’s corner, Oldfield went to his brother’s house and borrowed a gun ostensibly to shoot hobbits. Eldred Oldfield was conducting milking operations when his brother called out from the yard “Good-bye Eldred” The elder brother rushed to the scene and arrived just in time to prevent Oldfield from pulling the trigger of the gun, but the butt of which was on the ground. After a hard fight Eldred managed to overpower his younger brother who was closely guarded, while the Tenuika police were summoned by telephone. When the gun had been taken from him Oldfield confessed to his brother what he had done.

The husband was arrested and appeared before W. F, Evans and A Lowrie, Justices of the Peace at Temuka. On the application of Inspector A. S. Bird accused who was charged with murder, was remanded to apnear before the Magistrates Court at Timaru on Monday January 20. There was no motive. for Oldfields shocking act. The young couple were marriedCin Christchurch on December 19 and had been in occupation of their home a little over two weeks. Oldfield so far as known, had no financial worries. His farm comprises 115 acres of the most 'fertile land in the district most of which is in excellent state of cultivation. The little homestead is in the picturesque surroundings of Hedley’s corner. It is very comfort-1 ably furnished and contains all modern domestic appliances. Oldfield who is 36 years of age, a member of a well-known and highly respected Seadown family, and his holding is portion of the Oldfield estate which formely belonged to the late Mr Frederick Oldfield. A returned soldier, Oldfield, was struck on the head by a sniper’s bullet at the front and he also has an injured leg as another legacy of war service overseas. Deceased woman was formerly Miss Christine Sutherland, nurse of Christchurch. She was about 30 years df age. Prior to her marriage she practised her profession in Christchurch and at one time she was employed as nurse at Timaru public hospital.