DOUBLE TRAGEDY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 220, 17 September 1938, Page 9

DOUBLE TRAGEDY.

MURDER AND SUICIDE.

ACTION BY GARDENER.

SHOT WIFE TTP. LOVED.

(Special—By Air Mall.)

LONDON, August 28,

Harry Rowland Harding, market gardener, of Newton Poppleford, near [Sidmouth, Devon, shot his wife because he loved her.

For four hours after her death he' sat alone in their house writing notes. The postman called and Harding took in a parcel.

Then, he took tip the gun which had killed his wife and shot himself. This came to light at the inquest. Harding had no financial worries. Three years ago he came under medical observation for depression and reached a state of hypochondria. Last year he broke a leg.

This year he had been improved mentally, but the family was warned of the possibility of suicide. He was not certifiable and was better off at home as Mrs. Harding was a devoted wife.

The couple were found dead in bed by a daughter on returning from a visit to Sidmouth.

Extracts from the notes Harding wrote after killing his wife read: "It's this complaint. Wanted both to die together because I love her so dearly. Apologies to members of the family for what I have done."

A verdict that he shot his wife and committed suicide was returned.