A Double Tragedy.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7900, 16 August 1905, Page 3

A Double Tragedy.

Two Isd Shoot Themselves. 1 Woman the Cause(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Auk. 15. A' domestic tragedy occurred at Arch Hill last night. John Davis, a mhn oped 85, followed his wife to the residenca of Mrs Alice Porter, wh.-rc a single young nun named Richard Chapman was staying. He entered the hoiist found his wife and Chapman together, ind drew a revolver and fired at his wife, but missed her. He then fired at Chapiren, the bullet grazing his stomach. Davis then turned the weapon on himself. The shot entered (his forehead, death being Instantaneous Constable McGilp had observe! the man prowltng around suspiciously, and following hfm, HesiU rffots in the house. He rusheS In, nn3 Pa vis turned the revolver at film, but did not fire.

Mrs Davis and Chapman canv here from Sydney recently, Davis followed them. He had Keen prowling nhoiit after his wife, on 3 last nishl was observed by the police, evidently in a dangerous mood, Spiiiu that he wms followed Ka started running and jumped over a fence into the back yard of Mrs Porter's premise*, and pressed his fece against a window. He then entered the Scullery and fired athis wife. She threw herself to the ground ami escaped. Davis rushed past hec and fired at Chapman. Mrs Porter, entering, ordered Chapman off the premises, blithe blew his brains out in tho pros) ence of her and the constable. AUCKLAND. Aiitr. 15. An inquest on the body of John Davis was held to-day.

TSc evidence given by deceased's wife. Annie Davis, went to show that deceased fafleH In Business some five months ago, and hHtl Iron very despondent and impi 1-.i-.i- ever since. She said she had fr. <|i-. riily heard him threaten to ml<' his liie, and thr.i- works ic i 1<• Hi 'I to cut his thn-.it iviih n r.i/or. Tn her opin-i ion her huslurr i v; s not responsiMo tor his nnions. Kin- had given him no cause to lc" jealous.

The jury returned a verdict of suicide whilst temporarily insane.