MURDER CHARGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 276, 11 February 1928, Page 1

MURDER CHARGE

DEATH OF LITTLE SON FARMER RUNS AMOK Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. In the Magistrate’s Court B to-day, John Duncan, a farmer, was remanded till February 20 on a charge of murdering his two-year-old son. Duncan was arrested on February S, when his house and stacks were found blazing. The body of the child was discovered in a creek adjoining the farm. A Press Association massage from Christchurch on Monday r®Jd:— A sensational afTair occurred at Kirwes, 30 miles from Christchurch, to-night. John Duncan, a well-known farmer in the district, ran amok on his return from the city to his home. He discharged his employees, burned his house and outbuildings, seven stacks of oaten hay and five of oat sheaves, and his motor-car. After this he disappeared, taking his two-year-old son with him. Ouncan wa:: found again at 8.30 near the remains of the farm buildings with a deep gash in one arm, and was immediately arrested and brought to Christchurch. The child was found drowned in a water race, some distance from the buildings, about nine o’clock. There were no marks of violence on the body. Duncan came to Christchurch to-day to attend the Magistrate’s Court, where, on the application of his wife, who left him three months ago, separation,, maintenance and guardianship orders were made against him.