LEVIN TRAGEDY.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 212, 8 November 1926, Page 8

LEVIN TRAGEDY.

_<s, GUERSOME DETAILS.

LEVIN, November 5.

The sccenc of the Sloman tragedy was a family residence in Woraroa road, where Sloman engaged in poultry farming on a largo scale. The first evidence that a grim tragedy had taken place was discovered by Horace Strong, a youth employed by Sioinan. On arriving at work about 7.30 o’clock he noticed that the fires which are kept going in the poultry houses were out, and there was no sign of anyone about, Failing to get an yrepli-s to bi-- knocking on the dor, he went co the window of the boy’s room and was horrified to see Russell Sloman lying on ihe bed with, injuries to his head, and blood over the pillow. Strong at once wont for the police. On an examination of the house being made, Mrs Sloman was found r.f. on a single lied in a front bedroom with serious injuries to her skub. from which the brain was protruding. On the bed alongside the husband was lying and was found to no suffering from the effects of poOon, He was semiconscious.; Both victims wore in ihoL night attire. In a room adjoining Rita Sloman was found in her bed, and she also was suffering from terrible injuries to the head. Russell Sloman, who occupied a room at the rear of the house, was also found to be suffering from a sever? injury over the eyes, evidently caused hj a blunt instrument.. He had lost a lot of blood, the pjllow being covered. During a search of the house by the police, a tomahawk covered with blood was found in the sink. Sloman v. as formerly in a drapery business in W oilington. His poultry farm is one of the largest in the Dominion. He is wellknown in musical circles. He had boon in bad health for several years. Mrs Sloman, who died in the ambu]pnco, on the wav to tno hospital, was 4S years of age. The daughter is 19 vears of ago, ami a probationary teacher at the Levin High School. She had just passed a teacher’s examination, and was going to the training college next rear. The son is 13 years of age. CONDITION OF THE VICTIMS. PALMERSTON N., Nov. 5. Enquiries at the hospital at 10 p.m. show that the two children are still unconscious. They wore operated on, lim arc not expected to recover. Sloman’s condition is serious, but he has recovered consciousness.