FARM TRAGEDY

Grey River Argus, 8 January 1944, Page 2

FARM TRAGEDY

FAMILY KILLED WITH AXE SYDNEY. Dec. 28. After murdering his wife and four children with an axe, George Abel Harris, aged 45, a farmer of Denman, New South Wales, wrote three letters, then committed suicide by hanging himself by a wire clothes line from a rafter in a barn. At the inquest the coroner found that the crimes were committed while Harris was of unsound mind. His wife was Margaret Moore Harris, aged 41, .and his children, Judith, aged 12, Donald, aged 10, Susanne, aged 9, and Elaine, aged 2. They were all killed while sleeping. Police Sergeant A. J. Byers said at the inquest that one letter found in the letter box bv the postman read: “Ring police. There has been a tragedy.” Another note on a writing pad found in the front room of the house stated: “Hill, solicitor, has my will; Mac car; the heater to Kirk; Frank Lewis to get Muddy and progeny; Mr Crockett £5OO of my insurance; Hazel £5OO. Oh, I’m done. Sid. Freeman and Tom Bayliss £lOO each from my assets. I'm done.” On the envelope was scrawled, “Bill and Mac Glen. To be opened in each other’s presence.—Signed Joe. My love to all as will accept it. ' Pay all my debts; £lOOO insurance to Mr and Mrs Lewis.” . Another letter found in the house had read: “Thy will be done, O Lord. God bless those dear ones I’ve just put to rest forever, knowing the worst. I could not bear that they should know the sin that I have committed and have them go through life despised by everyone. It hhs been my love for these of mine that has made me do this awful thin'g. I’ve corrupted, and wanted to save them sharing the crime. . . . This' will kill two mothers. I expect .God has a place for them.” The Government Medical Officer, Dr T. W. Burgess said that Harris visited him on November 11, and said he thought he was suffering from a growth. After a specialist <and Dr Burgess examined him they , were satisfied there was no growth. Harris then complained of dyspepsia and general debility. “At no time, have I considered his mental condition such -that he required medical attention,” added Dr ißurgess. '.