FARMER RUNS AMOK

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1928, Page 7

FARMER RUNS AMOK

RAZED PROPERTY BY FIRE SMALL SON FOUND DROWNED SERVANTS ALL DISMISSED DEED FOLLOWS COURT CASE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. John Dunean, a farmer well known in the district, ran amok on his return from Christchurch to his home at Kirwee, 30 miles from the city, to-night. He discharged his employees, burned hie house and outbuildings, seven etacks of oaten hay and five of oat sheaves, and his motor-car. After this he disappeared, taking his two-year-old son with him. .Duncan was found again at 8.30 p.m. near the remains of the farm buildings with a deep gash in his arm, and was immediately arrested and brought to Christchurch. The child was found drowned in a water-race some distance from the buildings about nine o’clock. There were qo marks of violence on the body. Duncan was admitted to hospital to-night. Duncan came to Christchurch to-day to attend the Magistrate’s Court where, on the application of hie wife, who. left him three months ago, separation, maintenance and guardianship orders were made against him, maintenance being fixed at £3 weekly for the wife and two children. Returning to the farm, which Is four miles from Kirwee, Duncan said: “I lost my case to-day. I am getting out of this to-night.” He then paid off his housekeeper, who left at once, and also three or four men who had been employed harvesting. Shortly afterwards ■ smoke was seen issuing from the buildings. Nothing was saved and the damage is estimated at at least £2OOO. It is understood that at present no charge is being preferred against Duncan.