SHOCKING DOMESTIC TRAGEDY

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 223, 18 September 1894, Page 2

SHOCKING DOMESTIC TRAGEDY

«L\ MAN KILLS HIS WIFE.

Melbourne, September 12. Q^hts. morning a man named John Grant surrendered himself to the police at Horsham, he having killed his wife. He made a statement to the p'olico, from which it appears that at about 5 o'clock this morning a shocking tragedy had occurred. Mrs Grant was a victim to chloral, to an extent which threatened her mental balance, and her friends endeavoured to protect her againsb herself, with the resulb bhat she became subjecb bo delusions and developed homicidal and suicidal tendencies. She repeatedly threatened her husband's life, and -assaulted him with various weapons. Grant devoted himself to watching his wife with dread anxiety. The whole affair and wanb of sleep bold so greatly upon him thab fears were entertained that his reason would give way. His son begged bim to give up the matter as, hopeless. Grant refused to do so. Husband and wife retired last night, as usual, occupying separate apartments. About 5 this morning Grant noticed his wife moving about. She had a hammer in her hand, and was muttering threats to "do for him." Springing from bed, Grant snatched the hammer, and struck his wife four heavy blows on the head with it, killing her. He covered tbe body, and told his son whab he had done. He then reported the matter to the police. Grant is 80 years of age, and bis wife was 60.