SENSATIONAL AFFAIR.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14893, 16 October 1918, Page 4 (Supplement)

SENSATIONAL AFFAIR.

A.LLEGED ATTEMPTED MUR!DEB

AND ARSON

[United Pbess Association.]

Aucklana, Oct. 7. A sensational crime was reported from Alfiriston, near Manurewa, about 17 miles from lAuokland, early this morning, as a sequel to which John Arnold, aged 42, a farm worker; iwaa arrested on a charge of having attempted to murder his wife, Freda AtI nold, aged 33. It is stated that after having entertained a party„ at the house the husband picked a quarrel with his wife in their bedroom, finally attacking her and beating her over the head ywth-a-stick and a tray. He then bound her by the ankles and wrists to a Bed-post. She collapsed, and Arnold said, "Now you're dead I'll fire the house-." In addition to beating her about the head, Arnold-is- alleged to.have thrust his. fingers down her throat and- tried to> strangle/ her tearing and soratchitig? . the inside or her throat. The six-children who were in the-- • house escaped. , .' ' Mrs Arnold recovered in time>to free herself from the burning house; which,was totally destroyed, with the conj tents.- . 'Mrs Arnold's father named'Hansch, was in the house. He was. awakened' i by his daughter's screams, and' tried to* j enter the room, but was struck on the* head with a stick by Arnold, who? bolted the door against him: Hansoni ran for assistance, but by the time h& ) returned the fire was too fierce to all- - law an entrance/to'be obtained to th'ehouse. . ! Arnold vras nrrested to-dky,. after % i search of the district. | Mrs Arnold was in a low condition' < this evening. i