Tragedy in Victoria.

Manawatu Herald, 21 July 1904, Page 3

Tragedy in Victoria.

A WOMAN’S- HEAD ALMOST SEVERED. A tragedy has occurred at Clifton Hill, about three miles north of | Melbourne. Mrs Veitch, the wife of a baker, WRS found dead with her head almost severed from her bony, There were indications ot a terrible atru< T,T !e having taken pi ace near where the body was louno. The hands of the corpse, which grasped a heavy whip, were badly cut, and indicated that the woman had endeavoured to wrest from, the murderer the weapon with which he , attacked her. The crime; was .committed during

the absence of Mrs Veitch’s husband, and his assistants, who were engaged delivering bread to customers. An assistant feiUployed by the murdered Woman’s husband, named Charles Williams, nineteen years of age,,, was arrested 'on a charge-of having committed the dreadful deed, dnfi subsequently confessed his guilt. -His blood-stained clothes wet's found in the bakehoViao. .-He states that he cut one of his fingers while working, and used strong language. Mrs Yeitch remonstrated with him for this, and incensed at his further insolence towards her came at him with a knife and a whip in her hands. Williams states that a terrible struggle ensued, in which he secured the knife, and, mad with passion, cut'the woman’s throat. After changing his clothes, he mitted a customer, preteaded io ifisvpytfcfiU?dfi&ei and*siw» informed ; the polled. "•. *'V" [ I ■I m ft'll ..An “