A SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 487, 30 September 1909, Page 3

A SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

WOMAN KILLED BY A MADMAN. VERDICT OF WILFUL MURDER. Dargaviuas, September 29. A shocking tragedy occurred a little after eight o’clock this morning, when Mrs Kjer, wife of Mr H. Kjer, an old resident of Northern Wairoa, was murdered in Victoria Street by a lunatic named Allwood. . Mrs Kjer was alone at home, and was in bed reading, when All wood entered carrying a heavy cane knife, almost like a scythe. She jumped out of bed and ran into the street screaming, being pursued by Allwood. When in the centre of the road she apparently fainted or fell from exhaustion, when All wood reached her and struck her three blows, one of which broke her neck. Allwood ' only returned from the Avondale asylum two or three days ago, and, according to all accounts, should never have been released. Mrs Kjer, who was about 42 years of age, was greatly esteemed. She leaves a husband and three children. At the coroner’s inquest one witness named Jeanne Dun, stated that she was standing at her gate nearly opposite deceased's late residence, and hearing an altercation in the road turned towards the direction from which the sound came, and saw the woman with her arms up trying to push her assailant off. When deceased turned to get away Irom Allwood, he struck her down, using great force with the instrument he used. Another witness saw deceased fall, and said that the murderer, using both hands, hit her down as if cutting wood. Medical evidence stated that death was instantaneous, the neck being broken by the blow. The Coroner stated that he had nothing to, do with the asylum matter, his duty being to inquire into the cause of death. He had no hesitation in returning a verdict that deceased was wilfully murdered by George Allwood. Accused, who seemed to be quite unconcerned, said he had nothing to say. He will be formerly charged with the crime to-morrow.