GRIM TRAGEDY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20623, 26 November 1941, Page 6

GRIM TRAGEDY

HAMMER SLAYING WOMAN’S DEATH SCREAMS RAISE ALARM CYCLIST LEAVES HOUSE (Per Press Association.) PALMERSTON N„ this day. Further information relating to the shocking tragedy which occurred shortly after 9 o'clock last night when Mrs. Frederick John Speight, wife of a commercial traveller, aged about 35. was found with fatal head injuries in her home at 245 Park road, shows that while sitting in his kitchenette studying a road map, a neighbour, Mr. E. R. Harris, heard screams which immediately gave cause for alarm. Mr. Harris next heard further screams, the sounds of blows and others as of something being torn. He called to Mr. V. D. Christensen, another neighbour, who summoned the police by telephone. Constable J. Gunn arrived very quickly. While he was at the front door of Mr. Speight’s house, a man rode a bicycle hurriedly down the drive and out on to the road. The living room inside the house was found in great disorder. Mrs. Speight, although still breathing, was unconscious with terrible head injuries, from which she died within an hour. The victim was alone in the house, her son, aged about 12 years, being then at the pictures. Absence of Husband Her husband, a commercial traveller, was at Rangiwahia, about 50 miles distant from the city. He returned immediately he was advised of the tragedy. The boy returned home at 10.30 p.m. from the pictures unaware of the occurrence.

Rapid work was carried through by the police last evening as soon as the seriousness of the case was realised. Inspector H. Scott, in charge pf the police district, had a strong squad of detective and constables quickly organised to carry through the first inquiries. As the night progressed these naturally were extended to embrace a wider compass. Practically all the men in both the detective and uniform branches of the police stationed here were immediately called out and remained on duty throughout the night. District stations were notified. All roads leading to other districts were guarded, the net extending from Otaki to Marton and on the route to Hawke’s Bay.

Arrangements were made for detectives from other districts to arrive to-day to strengthen the force here. It is believed that the assailant used a hammer wrapped in a cloth.