AN ATROCIOUS MURDER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 202, 30 September 1909, Page 2

AN ATROCIOUS MURDER.

TTOMAN CHASED BY A LUNATIC AND FELLED TO DEATH. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dargaville. Wednesday. A shocking tragedy occurred a little after 8 o'clock this morning, when Mrs Kier, wife of Mr. 11. Kicr, an old resident of Northern Wairoa, was murdered in Victoria street by a lunatic named Allwood. i Mrs. Kier was alone at home and >vas in bed reading when Allwood entered carrying a heavy cane knife almost like a scythe. She jumped nut of the bed and ian into the sti-cat screaming, being pursued by Allwood. When in the centre of the road she appar.ntly fainted or fell from cxhailitinn. when Allwood reached her and struck her three blows, one of which broke her neck. Ali'wood had only returned from Avondale Asylum two or three days ago. Mrs. Kier was about 42 years of age and was greatly esteemed. She leav-s a widower and three children.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. ACCUSED UNCONCERNED. Dargaville, Last Nig'nt. Til connection with the terrible tragedy enacted litis morning when Kier was murdered in Victoria street by George Allwood. a coroner's inquest was held. .leanne Dun stated that she wa,s 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. Witness saw the woman with her arms up trying to push an assailant off. When deceased turned to get away Allwood struck her down, using great force with an instrument. The medical evidence stated that death was instantaneous, the neck being broken.

The Coroner stated that he had nothing to do with the asylum matter. His duty was to enquire 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. Allwood will be formally charged with tile crime to-morrow.