FOUR DEAD RESUIT OF UNACCOUNTABLE ACT-OF VICTORIAN

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6666, 20 July 1928, Page 7

FOUR DEAD RESUIT OF UNACCOUNTABLE ACT-OF VICTORIAN

Neighbour and Wife Shot; Then House Fired OWN WIFE DIES OP INJURIES; TAKES LIFE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright. Received Thursday, 7.5 p.m. MELBOURNE, July 19. William Manning and Ms wife perished in a fire wMch destroyed a cottage at Junorton, near Bendigo, occupied by an orchardist, Walker. It is alleged Walker fired, a number of shots, throe of which struck Ms own wife, and the Mannings were shot dead Walker then allegedly set the house afire and tho Mannings were incinerated; ■’ •. ■ ■ . ~ ■ •- Mrs Walker escaped with two sma. children, latter summoning neighbours assistance. 1 • . : : Walker’s whereabouts are unknown Later.- , ‘ Mrs Walter died at Bendigo Hospi tal. , i : ' „ Walker’s body was found in a tarn, the lower portion of the face shot away and the legs badly burned. Portions of three guns, one of which had been used, were found in the ruins. Manning-’s two boys, the eldest aged 'five, gave the alarm to a neighbour who summoned the police. .The police said they had teen let out of the house by Walker. ' Meantime, passing - railwaymen saw the house burning and on investigating found the bodies of Manning and M? wife in the blazing debris and Mrs Walker in the garden in a critical condition. All the victims had been shot and'Mrs Manning’s hand was missing. A knife blade believed to have been associated with the tragedy whs also found..; \ ■■■ , ' l' The motive is unknown. Manning was formerly a partner with Walker and only recently occupied the farm, while Walker lived a few miles distant. His wife was visiting the Manning family who were recuperating after an illness.