MURDERED BY A MADMAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 7914, 30 September 1909, Page 3

MURDERED BY A MADMAN.

Per Press Association.

DARGAVILLE, September 29. A shocking tragedy occurred a little after eight o'clock this morning, when Mrs Kier; wife of H. Kier, an old resident m Northern Wairoa, was murdered m Victoria, street by a lunatic named Alhvood.

Mrs Kier was alone at home, and was m bed reading, when Allwood entered carrying a heavy cane knife, almost like a sythe. She jumped out of bed and ran into the street, screaming, being pursued by Allwood. When m the centre of the road she apparently fainted or fell from exhaustion. When Alhvood reached her he struck her three blows, one of which broke her neck.

Allwood returned from Avondale Mental Hospital two or three days ago.

Mrs Kier was about forty-two years old, and greatly esteemed. She leaves a husband and three children. Later. At the inquest on Mrs Kier, the Coroner stated that he had nothing to do with the Mental Hospital matter; his duty was to enquire into the cause of death. He_ had no hesitation m returing a verdict that deceased was wilfully murdered by Georg© Allwood. Accused, who seemed to be quite unj concerned, said he had nothing to say. Allwood will be formally charged with the crime to-morrow.