Thomas (1870-25/3/1936) and Agnes McIntosh (1873-25/2/1936) Davidson. "slogged them with an axe"

 DOUBLE TRAGEDY

MAN AND WIFE KILLED 

SON ARRESTED FOR MURDER. 

BATTERED TO DEATH WITH AXE. 

A RAVENSBOURNE CRIME. 

ACCUSED ALLEGED MENTAL PROBATIONER. 

(Per Press Association). DUNEDIN, This Day. 

A double tragedy occurred at Ravensbourne, a harbour suburb, about 11 o’clock this morning, when an elderly couple, Mr Thomas Davidson, aged 67, a retired furnaceman, and Mrs Agnes Davidson, aged 59, were battered to death. 

Their son, Stanley Davidson, aged 22, was arrested on a charge of murder. 

Deceased resided on Main Road, Ravensbourne, with four sons and one daughter. All except Stanley and his parents were away at 11 o’clock, when a neighbour heard screams, and saw Mrs Davidson running toward the house porch, where her husband lay face down, with a man attacking him with an axe. The neighbour hurried for the police, who on arrival found Mrs Davidson dead near the porch and Mr Davidson dead inside the porch. 

The son, Stanley, was found sitting on a sofa in the front room, and a blood-stained axe was found near the porch. It is stated Stanley was recently released on probation from a mental institution.  -Ashburton Guardian, 25/2/1936.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY

MOTHER AND FATHER DEAD 

VICTIMS OF TOMAHAWK ATTACK 

SON ARRESTED 

Tragedy in its ghastliest shape overwhelmed a Ravensbourne household this morning, the mother and father of a family of five in a tidy, comfortable home at 271 Main road being battered to death. 

The victims were: 

Thomas Davidson, aged 67, a retired furnaceman. 

Agnes McIntosh Davidson, aged 59, his wife. 

While the victims were lying dead at the back of the house a 22-ycar-old son, Stanley, was sitting quietly on a sofa in a bay window overlooking the harbour when the police arrived only a few minutes after the attack had occurred, and the young man was taken into custody. He made no resistance whatever and showed no signs of recognition of the tragedy to which, it is alleged, he was a party. Terrible injuries to the head were received by both Mr and Mrs Davidson, who had also gashes on their arms, where, apparently, they had attempted to ward off the rain of blows. The wounds were so severe that death must have been instantaneous, at least in the case of Mrs Davidson. 

The tragedy occurred with dramatic suddenness shortly after 11 o’clock. Only a little time before Mrs Davidson had been talking to a neighbour, and two children from the next home had been playing in the Davidsons’ yard. There was not the slightest sign of any event which would lead to the double fatality.

The children of Mrs Dow, who occupies the neighbouring bungalow, had just returned from playing next door, and Mrs Dow had gone to her own yard to bring in the baby when she heard terrifying screams. As she reached the hedge dividing the properties, Mrs Davidson, who was frantically alarmed, rushed towards her. But the woman turned before reaching Mrs Dow, who was horrified to see Mr Davidson lying down on his face and groaning, in the back porch, with an assailant over him and still raining blows on his head with an instrument. 

It appeared that Mrs Davidson made a sudden decision to return to her husband’s aid. She actually reached the doorway when the attack was turned upon her. Mrs Dow immediately rushed to the neighbour on the city boundary of her home, and a call for police assistance was made. While Constable Hood, who is relieving at the Ravensbourne station, hurried to the house with another man a call was put through to the Central Police Station by Mr W. Connor, clerk to the West Harbour Borough Council. 

Only a few minutes had elapsed since 'Mrs Dow, a young housewife, had been a spectator of the double attack, and before going to the back of the premises by the pathway, Constable Hood posted the other man at the gate in case the assailant had not by then got away. 

That the need for assistance was past was at once apparent to the constable. Mrs Davidson was lying dead, with her head frightfully injured, on the concrete pathway between the house and a low embankment, while the dead body of Mr Davidson was lying in the porch, his head and shoulders being on the outside pavement. 

In a few minutes, Chief-detective J. B. Young and Detectives H. Wells and H. Le Sueur arrived. Inside the porch Mr Young found a blood-stained tomahawk, and going to the sitting room in the front of the house he found Stanley Davidson, a son, sitting on the sofa looking out of the window on to the harbour, a stone’s throw from the house. The young man was immediately taken into custody. He was exceedingly quiet, and made no resistance whatever when removed and placed in the police car, which conveyed two officers and the arrested man to the Central Police Station. Dr W. Evans, the police surgeon, made an examination of the bodies; and photographs were taken of the scene. 

Mr Davidson, who retired from the employ of a Dunedin foundry some months ago, was very well known in the West Harbour district, in which, for many years, he took a keen interest in all activities. All his family resided with him and his wife, but Stanley was the only member unemployed. The other three sons and the daughter were away at work when the tragedy occurred. 

For some months last year Stanley Davidson had been an inmate of an institution. Since returning to his home he had worked in the garden. Described by friends of the family as always of a quiet nature, he was very devoted to his mother and father, whose kindness he had recognised, neighbours stated. The young man was on friendly terms with the rest of the family, but, it is stated, he never made his presence known in the home.  

There was no warning of the tragedy. The mother was apparently in the back garden when the attack was made suddenly in the house. Mr Davidson had reached the porch and had only a step to make to be into the open when he was struck over the head from behind with a sharp instrument, the blow felling him. The injuries were so severe that it would appear that any one of the several wounds would have been fatal. 

What actually caused the attack no one will probably know. But the sequence of events which ended in the loss of two lives is provided by the scene witnessed by Mrs Dow When within an ace of escaping with her own life, Mrs Davidson swiftly turned to her husband’s assistance, only to meet a sudden death. On being attacked, she apparently attempted to escape by the path, but was struck down before she had gone five yards. Her head was terribly mutilated, one blow having cleaved her skull. 

Both the victims had seemingly endeavoured to ward off the blows, as their arms bore several cuts. The rear of the home, which had every evidence of being kept with scrupulous tidiness and was very comfortably furnished, was a shambles. 

Commendation is due to Mrs Dow and her neighbour for so promptly giving the alarm, and to the police for the expedition with which officers from both the Ravensbourne and Central Stations made their thorough investigations and arrest. 

The accused man will be formally charged at the Police Court tomorrow morning.  -Evening Star, 25/2/1936.

“I SLOGGED HIM WITH AN AXE”

Son’s Alleged Confession when Charged with Murdering Father and Mother 

EYE-WITNESS’S STORY OF BRUTAL CRIME NEAR DUNEDIN 

In one of the shortest preliminary hearings on a murder charge, taking just one hour, Stanley Davidson, aged 23, was committed for trial this morning at the Police Court on charges that he murdered his father and mother at Ravensbourne on February 25.

Two police officers were on duty with accused. Dr D'ath gave evidence as to cause of death-blows on the head from an axe which was exhibited. Evidence by an eye-witness, a neighbour, Mrs. Dowall, was that she heard a scream and saw through a fence the woman victim rushing towards her with bloodstained arms, while in the background accused was striking his father with an axe. She went for assistance.

The chief-Detective gave evidence that when accused was asked what happened, he said: “I slogged him with an axe.” Asked the reason, he said: “Just temper. They were nagging at a man.”

Mr W. F. Forrester represented the accused.  -Waipukerau Press, 18/3/1936.

MURDER OF PARENTS

ACCUSED MAN INSANE. 

[per press association.] DUNEDIN, May 11. 

The hearing commenced at the Supreme Court of the charge against Stanley Davidson, of murder at Ravensbourne, on February 25, of his father, Thomas Davidson, and his mother, Agnes McIntosh Davidson. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by Mr. J. M. Paterson. 

The Crown Prosecutor said that accused lived with his parents and a brother and sister. When the latter two left home, accused was in bed, apparently normal. Three hours later, a neighbour heard Mrs. Davidson screaming. She rushed towards the neighbour with hands upraised and covered with blood. The neighbour also saw Davidson lying face down, and accused standing over him, beating him with an axe or tomahawk. It would appear that Mrs. Davidson had been attacked, that the husband went to her rescue, and when seen by the neighbour, she was running back in the hope of rescuing her husband. The police shortly afterwards arrived. When questioned by Chief Detective Young, accused said: “I have slogged them with an axe.” Asked why, he replied: “Just temper. They were nagging a man.” 

The Crown Prosecutor added that the whole issue of the case would b c that of insanity. Accused had formerly been an inmate of a mental hospital. The Crown Prosecutor understood that medical men would say that at the time of the offence, accused was suffering from a mental disease. The facts were such that he did not feel it his duty to controvert the evidence of the medical men.

Evidence for the Crown was then called.

Mr. Paterson called Doctor Hayes. Superintendent of Seacliff Mental Hospital, who said he first examined the accused in November, 1933, and then found him in the early stages of a state of mind in which there was a separation between the thought processes and the emotional side of the mind. There was a gradual withdrawal from reality with emotional apathy. In March, 1935, he was admitted as a voluntary patient, and in April was definitely committed. He then suffered from delusions and hallucinations.

After hearing the medical evidence that the deed was committed in an insane frenzy, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on the ground of insanity.

Judge Kennedy ordered that accused be kept in strict custody at Seacliff till the Minister of Justice’s pleasure was known.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 11/5/1936.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Christina Oldfield, (nee Sutherland), (1910-13/1/1930). "she was a good girl to me"

KILLED WITH AXE

SECOND EDITION.

TRAGEDY AT SEADOWN. 

FARMER SLAYS HHS WIFE. 

CONFESSES TO A BROTHER. 

NO MOTIVE IS KNOWN. 

(Per Press Association.) TIMARU, This Day. 

A little farmhouse situated in the picturesque surroundings of Hedley's comer on the Seadown road, seven miles from Timaru, was the scene of a terrible tragedy in the early hours of this morning. Shortly after 6 o'clock, Christina (Chrissy) Oldfield, a young married woman was murdered in bed by her husband, Jack Oldfield, a wellknown Seadown farmer. The unfortunate woman was killed in her sleep by a blow from an axe, which struck her with terrific force on the left side of her head above the temple. Death was instantaneous. The husband was arrested and charged with murder, and was remanded.  -Ashburton Guardian, 13/1/1930.

MARRIED ONLY THREE WEEKS.

ATTEMPTS TO SHOOT HIMSELF. 

(Per Press Association.) TIMARU, This Day. 

An attempt at suicide by Oldfield was frustrated by his elder brother, Eldred Oldfield, who obtained possession of the shot-gun after a desperate struggle. Following the tragic happening at Hedlev's corner, Oldfield went to his brother's house and borrowed a gun, ostensibly to shoot rabbits. Eldred Oldfield was conducting milking operations when his brother called out from the yard "Good-bye, Eldred." 

Brother Prevents Suicide. 

The elder brother rushed to the scene and arrived just in time to prevent Oldfield from pulling the trigger of the gun, the butt of which was on the ground. After a hard fight Eldred managed to overpower his younger brother, who was closely guarded while the Temuka police were summoned by telephone. When the gun had been taken from him, Oldfield confessed to his brother what he had done. The husband was arrested and appeared before Messrs W. F. Evans and A. Lowrie, J.P.s, at Temuka. On the application of Inspector A. S. Bird, accused, who is charged with murder, was remanded to appear before the Magistrate's Court at Timaru on Monday, January 20. 

There was no motive for Oldfield's shocking act. The young couple were married in Christchurch on December 19, and had been in occupation of their home a little over two weeks. Oldfield, so far as is known, had no financial worries. His farm comprises 115 acres of the most fertile land in the district, most of which is in an excellent state of cultivation. The little homestead in the picturesque surroundings of Hedley's corner is very comfortably furnished and contains all modern domestic appliances.

Oldfield a Returned Soldier. 

Oldfield, who is 36 years of age, is a member of a well-known and highly respeeted Seadown family, and his holding is a portion of the Oldfield Estate, which formerly belonged to the late Mr Frederick Oldfield. 

A returned soldier, Oldfield was struck in the head by a sniper's bullet at the Front, and he also has an injured leg as another legacy of war service overseas. 

The deceased woman was formerly Miss Christina Sutherland, a nurse, of Christchurch. She was about 30 years of age. Prior to her marriage she practised her profession in Christchurch. At one time she was employed as a nurse at the Timaru Public Hospital.  -Ashburton Guardian, 13/1/1930.

TALE OF SEADOWN TRAGEDY RELATED IN TIMARU COURT

Farmer’s Terrible Deed

HAD BEEN WORRIED CONCERNING MONEY 

WOUNDED ON GALLIPOLI. 

Per Press Association. TIMARU, Last Night. 

A week ago, there was enacted at Hedley's Corner, Seadown, one of the most ghastly crimes committed in New Zealand in recent years. 

Christina Oldfield, a young married woman, was callously murdered while she slept, her head being cleft with an axe. 

Her husband, Jack Oldfield, a wellknown farmer, was arrested on a charge of murder and remanded. The police proceeded with the case this afternoon in the Timaru Magistrate's Court. The Oldfields had only beet married less than a month when this tragic happening took place. Accused is a returned soldier and a member of a well-known Seadown family. His farm of 115 acres comprises some of the best land in South Canterbury. He was wounded in the head and in a leg on the Gallipoli Peninsula. 

Prior to her marriage, the deceased woman, who was then Miss Christina Sutherland, practised as a masseuse in Timaru and Christchurch. Following the tragedy, it is alleged, accused made an unsuccessful attempt to commit suicide, this being frustrated by his brother, Eldred, who obtained possession of a shot-gun after a struggle. 

Eldred Charles Oldfield, a farmer, of Seadown and brother of accused, said that he lived half a mile from his brother's farm at Hedley’s Comer. So far as he knew, only accused and his wife had slept in the house on the night of January 12. The following morning, accused came to witness’s farm. He had a shot-gun in his hand. The weapon belonged to his late father’s estate. Accused asked for cartrides, with which he proposed to shoot rabbits. Witness said he did not know if he had any, but accused found some for himself. A moment later, accused called out, “Good-bye, Eldred! " Witness looked up and saw his brother looking down the barrel of the gun. He was trying to pull the trigger. Witness rushed accused, at the same time calling for a ploughman, Arthur Duncan. He fought and succeeded in taking possession of the gun.

Then the accused said: “You had better let me finish it for I’ve killed Chrissy.’’ When Duncan arrived, accused was strapped to a fence. There was one cartridge in the gun. 

To the Inspector, witness said that his brother had borrowed the gun on a previous occasion in order to shoot a horse. However, he had not shot the animal. In reply to further questions, witness said that the gun was fitted with a safety catch. 

At this stage, the inspector produced a pad containing a numerical inscription but witness could not say if the writing was that of his brother. 

Proceeding, witness said that he went to Hedley’s Corner, after what accused had said and there he found the body of the deceased woman. She was lying on the bed in the front room in a pool of blood. He did not examine the wound, as the head was covered in blood. She still appeared to be breathing. Accused had been worrying about his financial position and had asked witness for a loan. He said the banks and firms had turned him down. Accused should have been comfortably off, but was short of ready cash. So far as witness was aware, accused and his late wife were on good terms.

To Mr. F. J. Rolleston (for accused): Accused’s married life, so far as witness knew, was perfectly happy. Accused was a hard worker.

To Inspector Bird: Accused had often spoken about the expense of living. 

Dr. Scannell, of Temuka, said that on January 13 he went to the Oldfield’s homestead and saw deceased lying on her right side in a double bed. There was a gaping wound on her head. The wound, which was about 3 inches in length in his opinion, was caused by two blows. The cause of death was a fracture of the skull, with laceration of the brain as the result of being struck by a sharp instrument. 

When the Court resumed after luncheon, evidence was given by Arthur Duncan who said that at 6.30 on January 13 he saw a motor car in the yard and saw Eldred and Jack Oldfield struggling for the gun, which was in accused’s possession. 

Witness asked accused what was the matter, and he said: “I’ve killed my wife.” Eldred asked whom he had killed, and accused said: “I’ve killed Chrissy." Witness asked accused if he had quarrelled with his wife and he replied that they had not. Accused appeared to be rational at the time.

Henry John Waite, farmer, of Seadown, said that on arrival at Eldred Oldfield’s farm he saw accused tied and closely guarded. Eldred Oldfield said: “I leave my brother in your charge. I’m going to see what he has done.” Accused then said: “I killed her all right. I hope Eldred doesn’t faint at the sight of the blood. I realise now what I have done. She was a good girl to me. Her poor old mother will be cut up.” Accused appeared to be quite rational. 

Constable A. Southworth gave evidence of arresting Oldfield, who said: "I realise now what I’ve done. I was worried over things. I thought I’d spoilt the poor girl’s life. I cannot say anything." 

In a small room next the bedroom were found a writing pad and an account book. Pencilled figures indicated that accused had been working out the financial position of the farm. 

Constable Kearney said that accused requested to be allowed to write his own statement, but after he had written a little, he said: “I could say a lot. I was worrying about the future. I think it is well to write nothing at all. I think I shall leave it for the time being. I’ll tear this thing up. I must have been mad at the time. I loved the girl. I went to a lot of trouble getting the house ready for her and now I’m in financial difficulties. The best girl in the world. Things were not too bright. I could not sleep.” 

Detective Lindsay of Studholme, said that at the Temuka police station accused said: “O God, why did I do it? I am sorry for the poor girl’s mother. I am not insane. I deserve all that is coming to me.” 

Inspector A. S. Bird said that at Temuka accused asked if he could see a solicitor at Timaru. “Tripp and Rolleston made my will about a week ago, but it is no good now. I’ll have to make another, but it doesn’t matter much, as this is the finish of me,” he said. 

Accused reserved his defence and was committed to the Supreme Court at Timaru for trial.  -Manawatu Times, 21/1/1930.

A brief look at Oldfield's Army record shows that he was wounded in the head and leg, but not on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He was drafted in 1917 and suffered a head wound from a German shell  on August 30, 1918.  He rejoined his unit after only a few days.  On October 10, 1918, he was wounded in his right thigh, breaking the femur and leaving him permanently disabled.

THE SEADOWN MURDER.— The accused, Jack Oldfield (in centre), leaving the Court after the Coroner's inquest. On his left is Constable John Southwood, who arrested him, and on his right the Timaru gaoler.  -Star, 15/1/1930.

The residence of Mr and Mrs Jack Oldfield. In the room, marked with a cross, the husband is alleged to have murdered his wife with an axe as she lay asleep. They had been married only a few weeks.  -Daily Telegraph, 28/1/1930.

CLIMAX TO MADMAN'S FRENZIED ACT

"YES, I KILLED HER ALL RIGHT"

Dramatic Confession of Demented Husband Who Murdered His Wife

JURY FIND THAT OLDFIELD WAS INSANE

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Timaru Representative.)

While his pretty young wife — a bride of only a month — lay peacefully sleeping, the disordered brain of Jack Oldfield, a Seadown farmer, conceived a crime most fiendish in character, and there was enacted in the picturesque surroundings of Hedley's Corner, seven miles from Timaru, one of the most gruesome tragedies ever recorded in this Dominion. The unfortunate woman was done to death by blows from an axe, which struck her with terrific force on the left side of the head, above the temple.

FOLLOWING an unsuccessful attempt at suicide, the husband confessed to his brother, Eldred Charles Oldfield, the dreadful act he had committed. He was arrested on a charge of wilful murder. 

"I was very depressed. I could not sleep — I would lie awake and think and think. Everything was going wrong. I moped round the house on the morning of January 13. I fully intended doing away with myself...The feeling came over me all at once — then I did this thing:" 

This, the terse statement of Oldfield, was the only reason advanced by him for the callous slaying of his wife, when indicted on a murder charge in the Supreme Court at Timaru. 

The facts relating to the actual crime were not disputed, and the defence was one of insanity. 

The jury, after hearing lengthy medical testimony, was asked to decide on two points: (1) Did the accused murder Christine Oldfield? (2) If so, was he at the time laboring under a natural imbecility, or disease of the mind, to such an extent as to render him incapable of understanding the natural quality of his act and of knowing that such an act was wrong? 

The answer to both was m the affirmative, and a verdict was returned of not guilty on the ground of insanity. 

Mr. Justice Adams, who concurred with the finding of the jury, accordingly directed that the prisoner should be detained in strict custody m Sunnyside Mental Hospital until the pleasure of the Minister of Justice was known. 

Although Oldfield's brutal crime was devoid of any apparent motive, the defence was that the accused had been in a depressed state of mind because the farm was not paying its way. This, it was contended, assisted the development of melancholia, from which (according to the medical men) the accused was suffering. Documentary evidence was also produced in support of the contention m the form of a letter written by the deceased woman to her sister. 

On the other hand, the accused's brother, Eldred Charles Oldfield, informed the court that there should have been no cause for worry. The accused's farm, which comprised portion of the Oldfield Estate, was situated on some of the best land m South Canterbury, and was in an excellent state of cultivation. 

The accused's friendship with "Chrissie" Sutherland, a pretty Christchurch masseuse, had existed a long time prior to their marriage, which took place in the Cathedral City on December 19 of last year. 

After a short honeymoon, they returned on December 28 to the little homestead at Hedley's Corner; and there, according to the evidence, they were happily settled until the husband's brutal crime ended with tragic suddenness a short life of marital contentment. 

The trial, which lasted all day, was witnessed by a crowded public gallery. 

Mr. Justice Adams was on the bench. Mr. W. D. Campbell, Crown Prosecutor, conducted the prosecution, and Mr. F. J. Rolleston, formerly Minister of Justice, represented the accused. 

There was a stir in the court when Oldfleld entered, escorted by two warders. On account of an injury to his leg received at the war, he was allowed to remain seated during the trial. Before calling Dr. F. A. Scannell. Mr. Campbell said that the jury would have no difficulty m arriving at a conclusion that the deceased woman was killed by her husband. 

The doctor arrived at Hedley's Corner at 7.30 a.m.. He found Mrs. Oldfield in the front bedroom. There was a gaping wound on her head. She was dead. Death was due to fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. The wound was consistent with one caused through being struck with a sharp instrument. Under the bed lay an axe, which was smeared with blood. The deceased lay in a pool of blood, which also was spattered on the wall at the head of the bed. 

Mr. Rolleston: Do you think that the deceased was asleep when she was attacked? — Yes. There were no signs of any struggle. 

The principal witness for the Crown, Eldred Charles Oldfield, brother of the accused, then entered the witness-box. 

He related a dramatic story of events subsequent to the tragedy. He was engaged in milking his cows, he said, when the accused came into the yard. He had a shotgun in his possession, which had been obtained from Eldred's house. "My brother asked me if I had any cartridges," said Oldfield. "I told him there were some i the shed. He eventually found two, and remarked that he intended to shoot rabbits on his place."

Eldred went on with the milking, and two or three minutes later his brother called out: "Good-bye, Eldred!" On looking up, Eldred saw his brother bending over the gun. He rushed at him and heard the hammer click twice before he closed with him. 

There ensued a desperate struggle, and the ploughman, Arthur Duncan, came to the assistance of Eldred Oldfield. The accused was overpowered and strapped up. 

Turning to his brother, the accused said: "You may as well let me finish it; I've killed Chrissie." 

Mr. Campbell: Why did the gun not go off when the accused pulled the trigger? — My brother did not know how to operate the safety catch. The gun was loaded in both barrels. 

What did you do then? — I went to my brother's house which is further down the road. 

Describe what you found? — I went into the front bedroom, and saw my brother's wife lying in a pool of blood on the bed. She was still breathing, so I immediately sent for the police and a doctor. 

Cross-examined by Mr. Rolleston, Eldred Oldfield said that both he and his brother had served overseas at the war. The accused was wounded twice — in the head, and the leg. He also had had trench fever. So far as Eldred Oldfield was aware, his brother was happily married. He was a very hard worker, but lately he had appeared to be "a bit muddled." This, in the opinion of Eldred, was the result of working too hard. 

STRUGGLE FOR GUN 

Oldfield had been worrying about his financial position and thought that he would not be able to bear the additional expense of housekeeping. 

Mr. Rolleston: Did you notice any peculiarity about the accused? — He appeared to be "short in the grain," although he was never "short" with me. 

Then who was he "short" with? — Mostly with the horses. 

His brother was always talking about his money troubles, continued Oldfield. He seemed to think that he could not make the farm pay now that he was married. There was no need for him to have worried; in fact, Eldred said he had offered to lend him money. 

Apart from his father's estate, Oldiield had received £300 from an aunt. He had also obtained £800 from the estate; of this amount £500 had been used to pay off a loan. 

On the Saturday night before the tragedy, Eldred and his brother had discussed the latter's financial position. He was solvent. The stock and equipment on the farm were clear. The accused had accepted a loan from his brother. 

The struggle that took place between the two brothers was related by Arthur Duncan, a laborer, employed by Eldred Oldfield. Duncan stated that between 6.30 and 7 a.m. on January 13 he had seen Eldred lying on his back in the yard: Jack was bending over him trying to obtain possession of a gun. 

"I went to the assistance of Eldred," said Duncan, "and between us we overpowered Jack. I asked what was the matter, and the accused said: 'I've killed my wife.' And again to Eldred: I've killed Chrissie." 

A neighbor named Waite then came on the scene, and Eldred went to his brother's house to see what he had done. 

Mr. Rolleston: Did the accused appear depressed after his marriage? — I think he was worrying over things. 

Would you say the accused was glum and irritable? — Yes. 

And he became worse after his marriage? — Yes. 

Mr. Campbell: Was he glum and irritable before he was married? — No. 

Was he cheerful before his marriage? — Yes. 

I see; and so he changed into a glum and irritable man after his marriage? — Well, he became irritable. 

Did you ever ask him how he liked married life? — Yes.

HIS CONFESSION 

And what did he say? — He said: "It's all right; but there is more worry." 

Henry John Newlands Waite, farmer, of Seadown, told the court that he had gone to Eldred Oldfield's place on the morning of the tragedy. The accused had his hands strapped behind his back, and was closely guarded by Eldred Oldfield and Duncan. The former said: "I'll leave my brother m your charge. I'm going to see what he has done." 

Accused then said: "I killed her all right. I hope Eldred doesn't faint at the sight of the blood. I realise now what I've done. She was a good girl to me. Her poor old mother will be cut up." 

Oldfield appeared to be quite rational, said Waite. 

Mr. Rolleston: But would you have guarded a sane man so closely? — We had to, considering what he had done. 

Constable Southworth, of Temuka, gave lengthy evidence regarding the facts of the crime, which have already been published in "Truth." 

In company with Constable Kearney, also of Temuka, he arrested Oldfield at Eldred Oldfield's farm on a charge of murder. 

When warned that anything he said might be used as evidence against him, the accused merely shook his head; he made no reply. A little later he said: "I realise now what I've done." 

Oldfield was taken to the Temuka Police Station, where he was searched. There, he said: "I was worried over things. I thought I had ruined the poor girl's life. I can't say anything." 

Corroborating this evidence, Constable Kearney said that when at the station Oldfieid had asked if he could make a statement. 

Writing material was supplied, and he began to write. 

He had penned only a few words when he began to ponder. He said: "I could say a lot. I was worrying about the future. I think it as well to write nothing down at all. I think I will leave it for the time being and tear this thing up. I must have been mad at the time. 

A few minutes later, said Constable Kearney, Oldfield again asked for writing paper. He wrote something on the page, but tore it up; He then said: "I loved the girl. I went to a lot of trouble getting the house ready for her. She was the best girl in the world...Things were not too bright...I could not sleep." 

To Detective Lindsay Studholme, of Timaru, the accused said: "Oh, God! Why did I do it. I am sorry for the girl's poor mother. I am not insane. I deserve all that is coming to me." 

This concluded the case for the prosecution. 

In his opening address Mr. Rolleston said that the murder had been proved, but the jury had to consider the state of the accused's mind when the crime was committed. Evidence would be called to show that the accused was insane when Mrs. Oldfield was killed. 

As an indication of the state of affairs that existed in the Oldfield household prior to the tragedy, Mr. Rolleston produced a letter written by the deceased woman to her sister four, days before her death.

It was as follows: — 

...I get very tired, and John becomes so worried if he sees me looking tired, so I always pull a long face when I see him coming. However, I suppose I will soon get used to it. I'm afraid, Annie, things are far from satisfactory on the farm. It has come as an awful shock. No wonder Jack has been worried about money. 

"The fact of the matter is that the farm is gradually dropping money every year, and is not paying...Jack is nearly off his head with worry.

"What with trying to pacify him and to keep a brave face myself, I can tell you it is hard. 

"I really have been too dispirited to write before. I don't know what we will do, I can't see how he can make a success of this place at all. It looks as if he will lose every penny. Now I must stop. Write to me soon. Your loving sister, 

"Chrissie." 

Two medical witnesses were called for the defence — Dr. T. M. Beale, a mental specialist, of Christchurch, and Dr. F. F. A. Ulrich, of Timaru, who at one time was on the staff at Sunnyside Mental Hospital. 

The following question was put to Dr. Beale by Mr. Rolleston: 

Did the accused, in your opinion, when he killed his wife, possess the power of forming his own rational judgment, substantially unbiased by mental disease as to the true nature and quality, including the moral and legal quality of the act? 

Dr: Beale's reply was that the accused might have had such irresistible impulse that he would not study the nature of his crime. It was probable that he would not have the power to form mental judgment. 

Mr. Rolleston: How do you arrive at that conclusion? — I form my opinion from a statement made to me by the accused. 

The following statement made by Oldfield was then handed m by Dr. Beale: 

"I have not been feeling well for some time. When I went out with the team I felt all of a shake. I was very depressed. This became worse after I returned from my honeymoon. I could not sleep. I would lie awake and think and think and think. Everything was going wrong. 

"I got up on the morning of January 13. I moped round the house. I fully intended to do away with myself. I had no time to think over things. 

"The feeling came over me all at once — and then I did this thing. I did not realise what I had done until some time after. I don't know why I did it. She was a good wife, with high ideals." 

To Mr. Rolleston, Dr. Beale said that the accused's irritability was the premonitory symptom leading up to the attack. 

Oldfield was undoubtedly of unsound mind at the time of the murder. He was suffering from melancholia, and in such a state he would not differentiate between right and wrong. 

Mr. Rolleston: What opinion have you in regard to the accused going and getting the gun at his brother's place? — He was actively suicidal. 

Do you think that the accused's mind was clouded? — Yes. That is borne out by his remark to the constable: "Why did I do it?" His condition then was that of a man emerging from an acute brainstorm. 

Would the fact that after the tragedy he could recall the details alter your opinion as to insanity? — I would still be of the opinion that the accused was of unsound mind. 

Was his act one of his own independent volition in a true sense, or was it an act dictated or dominated by some influence arising from actual mental disease, which influence he was unable by his will to control? — It was an act committed through his diseased mental condition, which he had not the power to control. 

In a case of this nature is it important to see the subject as soon as possible after the happening? — Yes. 

Did you notice any difference when you saw the accused a second time? — Yes. He appeared to be more mentally composed. 

Would an improvement in the accused's state of mind be consistent with his form of mental disease? — Yes. 

Mr. Campbell (to Dr. Beale): I suppose you have been regarding the accused purely from a medical point of view? — That is so. 

You appreciate the fact that the test in law of a man's responsibility in such a condition is whether he knew what he was doing? — Yes. I believe the accused knew what he was doing, but he did not stop to think. 

Was he certifiably insane when he killed his wife? — I should say so.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE 

Would you certify the accused insane at the present moment? — It is doubtful. I would not certify him insane if strict supervision were exercised, as he has still suicidal tendencies. 

Mr. Rolleston: When you express doubt about certifying the accused insane, you have no doubt but that he was insane at the time of the murder? — None whatever. His condition has improved. 

The evidence of Dr. Beale was corroborated by Dr. Ulrich. In his opinion, Oldfield, at the time of the tragedy, was not capable of exercising rational judgment. The act was due to the mental disease from which he was suffering. 

In 1920 Oldfield had come under the care of the doctor in the Timaru Military Hospital. At that time Oldfield did not sleep well and was constantly dreaming. Dr. Ulrich said he had examined Oldfield after the tragedy. 

Mr. Rolleston: In your examination, did you notice any peculiarity? — Yes. He had a marked stammer. When he can't express himself the voluntary act spreads from the ordinary muscles of articulation to those of the face and the head.

What other conclusion would you arrive at from his condition? — I should say he had been mentally depressed. 

How would you describe Oldfield's complaint? — Melancholia. 

What is your opinion about the accused's impulse to take his wife's life? — Melancholies the world over have a fear of impending calamity, and to avert it they take the lives of those near and dear to them and then suicide themselves. 

When do you think that the accused intended to suicide? — On the morning of the tragedy. He had thought the thing over the day before, and decided to take his wife with him. 

What was the condition of Oldfield when you made a second examination? — He was calmer, which was due to his removal from the scene of his worries. 

By permission of the court, the Crown called two medical witnesses in rebuttal of the evidence for the defence: Dr. Alexander McKillop, medical superintendent of Sunnyside Mental Hospital, and Dr. T. W. J. Charles, medical superintendent of Seacliff Mental Hospital. 

Dr. McKillop agreed with the evidence of the defence that the accused was insane at the time of the tragedy, but, in his opinion, the accused knew he was doing wrong when he committed the act, which was not the result of a sudden impulse. 

Mr. Rolleston: Do you consider the accused was capable of reasoning at the time of the tragedy? Dr. McKillop: The accused is a melancholic, and he would know that to kill is wrong. He would not take steps to cover up his crime, as he had intended taking his own life. 

Do you think that he considered the legal aspect at the time? — No. The opinion was also expressed by Dr. McKillop that Oldfield, before the tragedy, had reasoned that the best thing for him to do was to commit suicide, but on second thoughts he had decided to take his wife with him, because of the disgrace. 

The symptoms displayed by the accused were difficult to sheet home to any particular form of insanity. 

According to Dr. Charles, Oldfield had planned what he intended to do. He would know that the killing of a person was wrong, but no doubt felt justified in a state of misery. The act would not be impulsive: Oldfield no doubt had toyed with the idea, and had gone over it lots of times. 

After counsel had addressed the jury, his Honor summed up, and the jury retired at 5.27 p.m., returning twenty minutes later with a verdict of not guilt on grounds of insanity. 

Mrs. Oldfield was at one time employed as a masseuse at King George Hospital, Rotorua, where she was very popular with the patients and staff.  -NZ Truth, 13/2/1930.

Jack Oldfield was committed to Sunnyside mental hospital "until the pleasure of the Minister of Justice was known." His death certificate states that he died on September 5, 1968 at Christchurch. He was 75.

For some strange reason, the dates of death recorded on the Ashburton gravestone are both incorrect for this story. The only detail which matches is Christina's age.  The Ashburton Guardian has deatails of a Jack Sutherland dying in 1947.

For the record, New Zealand's Births, deaths and marriages website shows a Lawrence James Oldfield as dying in 1968, aged 62.

Ashburton Cemetery.