FARMER SHOT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22447, 17 June 1936, Page 12

FARMER SHOT

NELSON TRAGEDY DAUGHTER WITH RIFLE AN ALLEGED DISPUTE POLICE INVESTIGATION [BY- TELECRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] NELSON, Tuesday A farmer, Mr. Joseph Caldwell, aged 46, of Kiwi, about 45 miles from Nelson, met his death this morning just before 9 o'clock under tragic circumstances, being shot with a .303 rifle, which was in the hands of his 15-year-old daughter. Mr. Caldwell, who was a well-known resident of the Tadmor district, was a returned soldier, having served with the main body of the Australian Imperial Forces. He suffered from the effects of gas, and at times had periods of depression. It is alleged by residonts of the district that he frequently became rather violent. It is alleged that Mr. Caldwell was attacking his wife this morning when his daughter became alarmed. She picked up a rifle which was in the room. The rifle was discharged and the bullet entered Mr. Caldwell's neck, killing him. Mr. Winter, who was staying at Kiwi with Mr. R. Ricketts, the nearest neighbour to the Caldwells', heard a shot and a scream. He went across the paddocks to investigate. The deceased's daughter ran down to the railway line, which runs just behind the Caldwells' house, and informed some linesmen who were passing on a trolley, Messrs. Duncan and Harris, that she had shot her father. The police at Nelson were informed, and Inspector F. Lewin, accompanied by Sergeant W. H. Simister and Constable Houston, of Wakefield, proceeded to Kiwi to make investigations. Statements were taken from the mother and daughter of the dead man. The police then returned to Nelson, the mother and daughter accompanying them. It is stated by the police that the rifle was left about the house, Mr. Caldwell being a keen sportsman. Loose cartridges were also in evidence. Mr. Caldwell was secretary of the local Returned Skiers' Association. In addition to his daughter there is a boy aged eight years.