INVERCARGIL TRAGEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12907, 1 July 1905, Page 5

INVERCARGIL TRAGEDY.

THE INQUEST.

VERDICT OF WILFUL MURDER.

[BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION".]

Invercakgill, Friday. The inquest on the body of Mary Ann Swan has been proceeding all day, her husband, Daniel Swan, accused of murdering her, 'being present in custody. Hie medical men said that Swan appeared to be quite rational when they examined lum after the tragedy. Evidence was to the effect that Swan made the fatal assault without the slightest warning or quarrel. Th only words that 10 aughter Rhoda heard previously was a question by her father as to whether she (i' vs. Swan) intended to have a party before their soil, who was going to England on Saturday, started. Mrs. Swan replied that she had been thinking of it. Why did he ask. Rhoda did not hear the reply. Soon after accused rose, took the flat iron from the fire, and struck deceased, who was sitting darning with her back to him, a terrific blow on the back of the head. : ~ After his arrest Swan's remarks at the police station indicated that he was jealous of Clark, the lodger, who was young enough to be his wile's son. The evidence of all the family was emphatically against such statements.

The jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against Swan, and commended vhoua, age d 13, for her brave attempt to stay her father's attack.

The girl is in the hospital with a broken thumb and scalp wound, sustained in the struggle. She gave her evidence with great clearness.