A Sydney Tragedy.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11738, 16 September 1902, Page 5

A Sydney Tragedy.

A FATHER'S MAD ACT. Press Association—Telegraph—Copyright. Received September 15, 9.30 a.m. SYDNEY, September 15. A commercial traveller named Peadon. residing at Hurstville, murderously attacked liis family and killed an infant. He then committed suicide. Several of the children were dangerously wounded. Received September 15, 10.40 p.m. SYDNEY, -September 15. Another of Peadon's children, a seven-years-old girl, has. succumbed, and1 a third is iv a serious condition. The throats of these were cut. Two others and the wife are suffering from wounds on the head inflicted with a bed-key. A sixth child escaped and gave the alarm. Peadon kissed his wife and children on retiring on Sunday night. He slept with one of the- boys>, apart from his wife. During the night she heard liim moving, and found him lying on the bed., dressed. He told her he had taken medicine. Ha later visited his wife's room, and finding her awake, retired. She fell asleep, and was aroused by blows on the head. She roiled on the floor and pretended loi be dead. A boy cam« to his mother's assistance. Peadon felled him and then went to the girls' room. His wife seized the opportunity to escape. When assistance arrived Peadon was found shot through the head, and grasping a razor and a revolver. The baby was dead, .aid another child dying, while the others were severely wounded. The family lived happily and were in good circumstances. It is stated that Peadon lost heavily at the Randwick races.