FRENZIED FARMER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 47, 7 February 1928, Page 6

FRENZIED FARMER

SENSATIONAL AFFAIR IN CANTERBURY DISCHARGES EMPLOYEES; BURNS HOME. TWO-YEAR OLD SON FOUND. DROWNED. Christchurch, Feb. 6. A sensational affair occurred at Kirwee, 30 miles from Christchurch tonight. John Duncan, a farmer, wellknown in the district, ran amok on his return from the city to his heme. Duncan discharged his employees, burned his house and outbuildings seven stacks of oaten hay ami five oi oat sheaves, and his motor car. After this he disappeared, taking his two-year-old son with him. He was found again at 8.30 near the remains of the farm buildings, with a deep gash in an arm, and was immediately arrested and brought to Christchurch. The child was found drowned in a waterrace, some distance from the buildings. about 9 o'clock. There were no marks of violence on the body. Duncan was admitted to hospital to night. Duncan came to Christchurch to-day to attend the Magistrate’s Couit, wnere, on the application of his wife, wno left him three months ago, separation, maintenance and guardiansnip oraor were made against him maintenance being fixed at £3 weekly for lhe wife and two children. Returning to the farm, which is four miles from Kirwee, Dune<an said: “1 lost my case to-day. I’m getting out of this to-night. ” He then paid off his housekeeper, who left at once, and also three or four men employed in harvesting. Shortly afterwards smoko was secu issuing from the farm building. Noth ing was saved. The damage is estimated at at least £2OOO. It is understood that at present no charge is being preferred against Duncan.