FAMILY TRAGEDY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21242, 12 October 1940, Page 8

FAMILY TRAGEDY

FATHER FOUND DEAD STRUGGLE WITH DAUGHTER LATTER SENT TO HOSPITAL FARM HAND’S INTERVENTION (By Telegraph.—Press Association) PALMERSTON N., Saturday The police are investigating a tragedy in a house at Taikorea last night, when after being summoned there they found Hugh McDowell, aged 65, sharemilker, dead in bed. Elis daughter, May McDowell, aged 27, was the victim of an earlier assault and had been admitted to hospital with a wound in the lower part of the face. Her condition is not serious.

About 10 o’clock last night the police at Palmerston North received information that a tragedy had occurred. Detective Long was sent to investigate, being joined by Constable Eade, of Rongotea. When the police party arrived at the house Hugh McDowell was found dead in bed. He had a slight superficial wound on the cheek but otherwise the cause of death was obscure. He lived with his family of three. Threat With Razor Reports from the police indicate that between 7 and 8 o’clock a quarrel took place between McDowell and his daughter May. A farm hand, James Kinnis, who was sleeping in an adjoining room, in a statement to the police, said he awoke and found May McDowell and her father engaged in a struggle. The father had a razor in his hand and was threatening to “finish” his daughter. Kinnis went to the young woman’s assistance and took the razor from the father. Apparently the assault on the girl had taken place before Kinnis removed the razor. Others of the family went to a neighbour’s telephone and a message was sent to Constable Eade.