SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9608, 30 September 1909, Page 5

SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

MUEDEREDBYA LUNATIC. A WOMANS' SAD FATE. By Telegraph—Press Association DARGAVILLE, September 29. A shocking tragedy occurred a lictle after eight o'clock this morning, when Mrs Kier, wife of Mr H. Kier, an old resident of Wairoa, was murdered in Victoria Street by a lunatic named Allwood. Mrs Kier was alone at home, and was in bed reading, when All- I wood entered, carrying a heavy cane knife, almost like a scythe. Mrs Keir jumped out of bed and ran into the street screaming, bting pursued by Allwood. When in the centre of the road Mrs Keir apparently fainted, or fell from exhHUsiion when Allwood reached her and struck her three Llowa, one of which broke her neck. Allwood had only returned from' Avondale Asylum two or three days ago. , Mrs Keir was about 42 years of ; a;e, and was greatly esteemed. She leaves a husband, and three child- I ren. I i THE INQUEST. By Telegraph—Press Association. DARGAVILLE, Sept. 29. [ In connection with the death of ! Mrs Kier a coroner's inquest was held this afternoon. / Jeanne Dunn stated that she was standing at her gate nearly opposite the deceased's late residence, and hearing an altercation in the road turned towards the direction from which the sound came. Witness saw a woman with her arms up trying to push an assailant off. When the 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 inquire into the cause of death. He had no hesitation in returning a verdict that the 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 the crime to-morrow.