SHOCKING TRAGEDY AT LEVIN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3559, 6 November 1926, Page 2

SHOCKING TRAGEDY AT LEVIN.

FATHER. BATTERS HEADS OF WIFE, SON AND DAUGHTER WITH TOMAHAWK. ATTEMPTS HIS LIFE WITH POISON. MOTHER SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES. SON AND DAUGHTER’S LIVES DESPAIRED OF. FATHER RECOVERS IN HOS'PI- • TAL. A shocking tragedy occurred at Levin at an early hour yesterday morning, a well-known family being the victims. The persons affected are:— WILLIAM GEORGE SLOWMAN, aged 52, suffering from the effects of poison. MARGARET ABIGAIL SLOMAN, aged 48, succumbed, to injuries to the skull. RITA SLOMAN, aged ID, serious head injuries. RUSSELL SLOMAN, aged 13, wound on forehead, and head injuries. The scene of the occurrence was the family residence in Weraroa road, where Mr Sloman has been engaged in poultry-farming on a large scale. The first evidences that a grim tragedy had taken place were discovered by Horace Strong, a youth employed by Mr Sloman. On arriving at work about 7.30 o’clock yesterday, he noticed that the fires which are kept going in the poultry house were out, and there was no sign of anyone about. This being unusual, he went over to the house, and failing to get any replies to his knocking on the door, went to the window of the boy’s room. He was horrified to see Russell Sloman lying on the bed with injuries to his head, and blood over the pillow. Strong at once went for the police. Constable Bagrie was quickly on the scene, closely followed by Dr. Hunter. SCENE IN THE HOUSE. On an examination of the house being made, Mrs Sloman was found lying on a single bed in the front bedroom with serious injuries to her skull, from which the brain was protruding. On a bed alongside Mr Sloman was lying, and was found to be suffering from the effects of poison.' He was semiconscious. Both the victims were in their night attire. In a room adjoining, Rita Sloman was found in her bed, and she was also suffering from terrible injuries to her head. Russell Sloman, who occupied a room at the rear of the house, was also found to be suffering from a severe injury over the. eyes, evidently caused by a blunt instrument. He had lost a lot of blood, the pillow being covered. REMOVAL TO HOSPITAL. Medical relief was at once given and the father was treated for poisoning. The four victims were subsequently taken to Palmerston Hospital. Mrs and Miss Sloman spent the previous evening at the house of a friend, and returned to their home at 11. p.m. It is surmised that Ihe tragedy took place about 4 or 5 a .m. The instrument used on Ihe victims was a tomahawk. THE VICTIMS. The family, who were held in the highest respect, went to Levin from Wellington several years ago. Mr Sloman, who had been in the soft) goods trade in the city, having decided to take up poultry farming in the hope that an improvement in his health would result. He commenced operations in Werarpa Road on a scale of considerable magnitude. The farm was one of the most up-to-date in the Dominion, equipped with all sorts of labour-saving devices and machinery. As a musician of more than average ability, he took a leading part in local musical societies and choirs, and also took a keen interest in local affairs. While his health was improved as a result of the outdoor life, and occupation, there was not a complete recovery, and a few months ago he came very near a physical breakdown, and had arranged to enter a hospital in Wellington for an operation. On the eve of doing so a change for the better took place and considerable improvement resulted, obviating the necessity of operating. .Mrs Sloman was a woman beloved by all who knew her, and the son and daughter were equally wellknown. The son was a promising student. Miss Sloman matriculated last year as a pupil of the Levin District High School and she then joined the staff as a probationary teacher. She was a popular member of the teaching staff and one who showed every promise of a successful career. Those who knew the family intimately state that they were deeply attached to each other and that the father was devoted to his wife and children. Upon enquiry at the hospital this morning, we were informed that the father has completely recovered, but the boy and girl are frightfully injured and are both in a precarious condition. The father has made an admission of having committed the act with the intention to end the lives of all of .them. For .some time past he has suffered from insomnia. After committing the act on the victims, lie sought to take his own life by swallowing cyanide. Mr J. M. Barr, of Foxton, was a close friend of Mr Sloman. The tragedy caused quite a gloom iu Levin.