SHOCKING TRAGEDY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 36, 5 October 1931, Page 3

SHOCKING TRAGEDY

(Press Assn.-

WOMAN'S THROAT CUT HUSBAND IN CUSTODY WITH SEVERE WOUND IN THROAT WIFE DEAD ON BEDROOM FLOOR

— By Telegraph — Copyright).

HAMILTON, Sunday. A shocking domestic tragedy occurred at Liverpool Street, Hamilton, shortly before midnight last night when Mrs Lois Alexander Smith, aged 29 years, died from a wound in her throat and her husband, Walter Arthur Smith, aged 40 years, was found with a severe wound in his throat. Smith's condition is serious, but he has a fair chance of recovery. The tragedy occurred in the front bedroom of a 4-roomed cottage on the corner of Liverpool and Vialou Streets. Mrs Smith was the second daughter of Mr W. E. Burrow, of Hamilton. She was born in Auckland but had lived most of her life in Hamilton. She was Smith's third wife and had married him about five years ago. There are two children of the marriage, aged 4 years and 1 year respectively. Mr. Smith was born at Temuka and had been resident in Hamilton for about 20 years. He is a painter by trade. He served in the war, holding the rank of captain. Formerly he was Drum-Major in the Hamilton Band. Smith had had a good deal of financial worry lately and five months ago filed his petition in bankruptcy, as a result of which his home in Frankton was sold. He had two children by a former marriage, Reginald, aged 18 years who lives in Christchurch, and Phyllis, aged 16 years, who was in the house when the tragedy occurred. Acting on her father's instructions, Phyllis telephoned to Dr. "Waddell just before midnight. On arrival at the house the doctor found Mrs Smith lyihg on the bedroom floor in a pool of blood. There was also blood on the bed clothes. Mrs Smith had probably been dead about half an hour. Mr Smith was standing at the bedroom door with blood flowing from his throat and a blood-stained pocket knife was found in the room. Both husband and wife were in their night attire. After his wound had been bandaged Mr. Smith was conveyed to the Waikato Hospital in custody. An inquest was opened before the Coroner, Mr. Wyvern Wilson, this afternoon. Evidence of identification was given by Mr. L. M. Rogers. In answer to the Coroner, witness stated thatr the domestic relations of Smith and his wife had not been happy. The inquest was adjourned sine die. It was stated at the hospital today that Smith's condition is satisfactory.