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" Killer on the Coast - The True story of Stan Graham and New Zealand`s deadliest manhunt.".
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Location (city or town)KowhitirangiEvent" Killer on the Coast - The True story of Stan Graham and New Zealand`s deadliest manhunt.".
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Category Tagart,craft,literature
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CommentsStu McConchie
Was this th one on the farm out th back way from th lake. I remember when I lived in hoki reading th memorial looking through the hole to where th main house was. He hid up on th stand alone hill few police and a couple others died to.
Del Godfrey
Stu McConchie yes that’s correct, at Kowhitirangi, a tragedy all round Stu McConchie
Del Godfrey I couldn't remember th name but I've been out there a few times. Its a story tht needs to be told to. Unfortunate it happened. Payed my respects there with flowers. Was th first time I'd ever heard about it driving past. Country life is hard at th best of times. A very sad story for all involved. Rest in peace fellow kiwis
Helen Joan Forrest
That whole thing was a bloody disaster. It could have been handled so much better than it was.
Benjames Watchman
Helen Joan Forrest isn't that allways the case.
Mary Prendergast
Helen Joan Forrest yes. That’s what my grandad said.
Karla Skates
Helen Joan Forrest I agree with you. There was a lot going on in the lead up. My partner is his great nephew.
Helen Joan Forrest
Karla Skates . I feel for all of the family. I grew up knowing about this
Phil Olson
The tragic storey not true storey of what really happened
Kevin Fleming
Phil Olson Which is?
Justine Warren Pearce
Diane Chesmar
Donna Laugesen
Krista Hubay
John Stuart
Yes I remember Dad talking about this the story ran in a mens adventure magazine called "Wide World" ,of morbid interest was after Stan Graham was shot,its alleged he said to the Constable, you didnt have to shoot I was coming in to give up.He had bee… See More
Stu McConchie
John Stuart thts th other side of the story. I heard at th pub out there to. V
Elizabeth Betty Woods
I met the Constable's son, no winners is all I can say!
John Stuart
Elizabeth Betty Woods ,oh so true ,especially as today help should be there,I didnt say would sadly.
Nina Townsend
Got the book its amazing wot small town gossip can do to a family.
Stu McConchie
Nina Townsend is th book still available. I guess it was printed locally. I'd love to read it.
Nina Townsend
Stu McConchie im not sure its called bad blood unfortunately a m8 has atm so carnt remember the author. But can find out 2mrrw
Stu McConchie
Nina Townsend thank you. This has sparked an interest for 15+ years ago now.
Kaye Millar
Stu McConchie The book is called 'Bad Blood' by H.A. Willis and is an excellent read about what happened ...you can view the movie on You Tube.
Stu McConchie
Kaye Millar thank you so much. Thts me tonight I'm going to watch it. Il find th book to if I can. Reading is always better than th movie side. Thanks again. Very much appreciated
Kerry Hermansen
Kaye Millar I've just tried to find the movie on you tube and it doesn't seem to be there?
Kaye Millar
Kerry Hermansen I can't find it now either ! Just a couple of trailers about the film ..how strange, I watched it on there but it was some time ago.
Geoffrey King
someone probably complained that it was a racist rant and it was removed
Judith Hansen
we had that book, blew away with the old woodshed.
Regan Bain
Liam Taylor
Terry Oconnor
Very sad for everyone concerned
John Stuart
Terry Oconnor yes indeed,mental health is very important.
Kelly Jacobs
Yes. A tragic event for everyone concerned.
Trish Dorrough
Terry Oconnor Hi Terry, are you related to the late Jim and Lorna O’Connor from CHC ? I’m a cousin
Trish Dorrough
Also the Browns - Kevin Brown and the Hallidays. Margaret Stephen from Westport was my cousin.
David Young
There is also ‘Bad Blood’, published in the 70s and made into excellent film of the same name in about 1983/4, by Andrew Brown. This was filmed mainly in Ross. I was at ‘The listener’ at the time and was able to speak to many locals who had lived through it, for a published story.
Peter Bradley
David Young it was filmed near where he lived in Kowhitirangi, not Ross I visit the film set a few times as I lived just down the road from where it was filmed in 1980
Alan Pegley
David Young In the movie aussie actor Jack Thompson played Stanley
David Young
Alan Pegley yes, and what a great Performance.
Garry Cooke
This is the same that l read, about 25yr ago.
Kaye Millar
Stan Graham clearly had some mental issues he believed his neighbours were poisoning his livestock. When it came time to hand over his rifle for the war effort ...he snapped.
Glenda OBrien
Kaye Millar correct, and I also think his wife egged him on a bit
Kaye Millar
Glenda OBrien I have heard that too ... the wife encouraged him.
Benjames Watchman
Glenda OBrien this is what the movie bad blood was based on I take it??
Kaye Millar
Benjames Watchman Yes it was ...also the book 'Bad Blood' ..
Benjames Watchman
Kaye Millar just so sad.
Benjames Watchman
Kaye Millar how many lives lost?...sorry don't know the history of this at all.
Kaye Millar
Benjames Watchman Stanley killed 7 ....and he was # 8 in the whole affair.
Benjames Watchman
Kaye Millar
Jeanne Godfrey
Kaye Millar you are correct. My dad was one of the policeman succonded there. He got the signatures of everyone involved there. Attached.
Kaye Millar
Stu McConchie
Kaye Millar to th right is th hill he hid on. Was on his farm. Wasn't th bank going to take the property to.
Kaye Millar
Kaye Millar
Ted Best died of gunshot wounds and lies not to far from Stanley.
May be an image of monument, outdoors and text that says 'EDWARD M. BEST ACED 40 YEARS. Beloved. AND HIS LOVED WIFE BESSIE ACED 82 YEARS'
Rachel Mosley
Lisa Cameron
Benjames Watchman
Rachel Mosley gosh,she lived another whole lifetime after he passed away.
Kerrie Simonsen
Bruce Hermann
Harvey Hutson
A man that was pushed to far
Sally King
my husbands grandfather was part of the man hunt. Amuri King.
Sally King
Amuri was platoon commander, Kaniere home guard. He and Coulson rushed grahams house. Coulston was shot . King managed to wound Graham from there and bring out Greg Hutchison out of the house
ShonaandMurray Marshall
Wonder, can you still get a copy like this? We have the hard copy but would really like one like this.
Rarn Johnston
Geez we have had our numbers of horrific murders masaccares on the coast
Linda Reedy
Poor persecuted man they did terrible things to him and his family and got away with it. The bullies!!
Badjah Wilson
Yeah, a sad story
Kelly Jacobs
It's easy to speculate in hindsight, but I wonder if there had been more awareness re.mental health and the situation had been handled differently if the shooting may have been avoided?
I'm just thinking out loud in a completely non judgemental way.… See More
Arlene Hutcheon
A terrible situation to have happened during the time of WW2.
Phil Norton
Yes I met this man while I was cleaning at the Rolleston prison in 1970 ? A very big broad man and I was wary of him as were some of the female cleaners if he was near as we'd heard all the stories..
John Stuart
Phil Norton Stan Graham was shot and died.
Brendon Williams
Phil Norton no you didn't. He died.
Jae Edwards
Manipulation at its finest. Law enforcements let it slide just for the reaction... Kind of like blowing up a balloon, it's going to go bang if you don't stop blowing it
Troy Crooks
Jae Edwards wow jae what intelligent answer
Linda Moore
Carole Cowan show Dad!
Willy Simpson
Seen the film ,poor basturd got hounded by the community and the police. Put a good fight up at the end .
Ian Miller
Two shillings? Well, whatever, Stan was the reason I gree up on the Coast because Dad was a policeman who replaced one of those shot.
Graeme Perry
Did Stanley have any brothers or sisters - if so a pity they could not help him
Graeme Perry when they are like that.. often they refuse help because they dont have insight
Sue Maree Aitken
Graeme Perry Stanley graham wasn’t a killer. Persecuted
Sue Maree Aitken Well he killed innocent people so he was a killer but sadly needed the help that we recognise today but didn't then. A tragic saga in history.
Sue Maree Aitken
Kaye McNabb my dad worked beside him on the farm…they crucified him. Half of the people he supposedly killed is rubbish!! You need to properly investigate….police had scores to settle
Graeme Perry
Yea got a rough deal it seems
Gareth Anderson
Graeme Perry he sure did, a sister, I go out with her great granddaughter, she's nuts to lol
Merv Fleming
Stan was driven to what he did, I don’t blame him at all
Des Kennedy
Kerry Molloy
I have two copies of the book-one as pictured and the other later volume.As an aside my relative Mr Trevor Molloy was a part of the crew .he was one of the party ,using amongst other things the old seaview hospital fire engine to produce rain on tap.II…]
Jessica Rose
Kerry Molloy This sounds right. Although the tight lippedness of the coast also kind of means that there isn't the learning that could help others? I mean it seems like we know what we need to, but without the candid testimony's then foolish rumours can perpetuate. I'm not suggesting any different approach, but I can see both sides of the respect of confidence.
Kerry Molloy
Jessica Rose .jessica even in this enlightend age Ican equivocally state we never truly know what a human being can do in any given situation,especially those in the deadly grip of the "fright ,flight ,fight syndrome".In my 48 yrs frontline nursing in mental health ,I honestly doubt i even scratched the surface of what the human mind is really capable of. sure what i saw was humans at their lowest ebb in a lot of cases ,often through no fault of their own, but in cases like infanticide ,spouse murders etc I still to this day in my retirement ponder on what darkness drives a human to such actions??externally we can identify well known precursors ,but the internal drivers -another field althogether.
]Kerry Molloy
you must see this in context though .a very small farming community ,some would say isolated .the second world war was the major international event and a lot of people did have family or relatives overseas fighting-another source of stress with uncertianty . the government of the day utilising wartime legislation to gather up cicilians .303rifles for home guard use.stan grahams own personal stressors -his appartent precarious financial situation,his problems with having his primary source of income milk/cream rejected by the dairy company,the couples increasing enstrangement from the local social activity,but to name a few factors which when confronted by a man of increasingly fragile mental state can easily fuel a disaster. In my later years as a forensic psychiatric nurse at sunnyside I did get involved with at least two westcoast cases where firearms were involved . neither ended in tragedy although it could easily have. this incident really shows just how dark and dangerous a human can become though under real stress.Unfortunately though it does repeat itself as we are all aware.
=Kerry Molloy
It would also appear his wife eventually bought into these delusions of persecution primarily in support of her husband who was vexed,but also maybe to try and live up to her marital vows.hence the folie a deur. the actaul truth is now forever consigned to history .personally I say leave all to rest in peace,.
James Tarrant
Kerry Molloy I remember Mort Cruikshank very well. He did so much and belonged to so many different groups etc. I remember him fondly.
]
James Tarrant
Kerry Molloy I knew him though my Car Club. Also I think he reconditioned the radiator in my fathers restoration.
James Newby
Here’s a couple more books and a copy of the movie that I have.
May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'MANHUNT The Story of Stanley Graham by H. A.Willis BAI BIFOD THE STORY OF STANLEY GRAHAM H.A.WILLIS BY'
James Newby
May be an image of 3 people and text that says 'JACK THOMPSON BẠL BITOD THE STORY OF STANLEY GRAHAM H.A.WILLIS BY BAD BLOOD THREE POLICEMEN ARE DEAD.. * THE MANHUNT HAS BEGUN Recommended for mature audiences merala aaাame'
Vern Pattinson
James Newby I've got the bad blood video
James Newby
May be an image of text that says 'KILLER ON THE COAST The True Story of STAN GRAHAM and New Zealand's Deadliest Manhunt TWO SHILLINGS'
Roger Gardiner
There is his grave. I took this photo only a couple of months ago.
Anarchist History of New Zealand
In March 1941 the New Zealand Government started nationalising private citizen's guns. Shortly before they had been asking for them to be contributed voluntarily but as usual that was just a prelude to compulsion.
Saying, "This is merely a precautionary measure," Labour 1.0 promised to give the firearms back to their owners after the War or else refund the value in cash (I wonder how often that happened?)
The most violent push-back came from West Coast man Stanley Graham who really didn't want to surrender his arms. The State sent masses of officers to hunt him down and finally kill him but Graham managed to take down 8 of the attackers with him.
Soon after, the home of Graham's widow and his children was burned to the ground. Today there's a huge and expensive-looking monument romanticising the Government officials killed in their attempt to carry out their orders.
Kerry Molloy
Anarchist History of New Zealand .you are incorrect -the labour government of that time invoked wartime regulations to allow for the collection of civilian .303rifles for use by the home guard and in some training camps .these regulations are not dissimilar to todays civil defence regulations where the govt can call upon the personnel and resources of the military to assit in disaster work Ala the christchurch earthquakes.
Anarchist History of New Zealand
Kerry Molloy Yes, that's what I said. It happened in March 1941.
Or is your disagreement over the difference between the term 'nationalising' and 'government collecting'?Stu McConchie
I must say such for sad event in our past it has been humbling seeing all th comments and people pulling together. This post definitely got my attention mainly because I had see th memorial in my past. But it's amazing how quickly people who have knowledge and wisdom of this and other events have come together. One great thing to come out of such sadness. Much respect and admiration to you all. Rip to th loved ones lost may you all be in a beautiful happy place now
Polly Minehan
Wonder what happened to his wife??
=Maegan Fraser
Polly Minehan I’ve been thinking the same
Polly Minehan James Newby didnt she end up in Christchurch?
Tarn Aldridge
It was mentioned the movie of this was on YouTube. I can't find it
Stu McConchie
Tarn Aldridge there is a link to it in th comments somewhere. Google may help. Movie is called bad blood.
Stu McConchie
Tarn Aldridge
May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'MANHUNT The Story of Stanley Graham by H.A.Willis BẠD BIGOD THE STORY OF STANLEY GRAHAM H.A.WILLIS'
Kerry Molloy
Aussie Jack Thompson played Stan graham ,aussie actress Carol Burns of TVs prisoner fame ,played his wife.their portrayal of a couple sinking into the chasm of madness is truly chilling.Jack is amongst aussies finest actors featuring in "The Man from S… See More
Kate Adams
I was working at the hospital when they filmed
Judy Lea
My Dad was one of the young army soldiers that was sent on the man hunt with the police and was there when he was shot .Dad wrote a letter about the manhunt to his Mum who lived on the Coast, which I have just donated to the police Museum … See More
Stephen Murray
Watch bad blood my grandmother anne rodden plays the piano in one of the scenes
Heather Newby
Stephen Murray Anne Rodden is a legend...she played the piano wonderfully
]Stephen Murray
Heather Newby she sure is i miss her every day
Colin Pattinson
Can you still get copy I wonder
Tate Paula
Colin Pattinson I think I have a copy of Manhunt from Dad, I’ll have a look and let you know. Also Take Note Bookshop in Hokitika did have copies of Manhunt, if they’re sold out, they can also try to source one for you
Hope you’re well and taking car… See More
Tate Paula
Colin Pattinson It’s been far too long, we miss you too. Was nice being able to pop past and visit. Know when things settle with the stupid pandemic, always a place to stay here with us when you make it across the ditch xxx
Anthea Keenan
We used to have that book up the farm, of course our parents part of the Community of Koiterangi 1941.
James Newby
For a copy try Hard to Find Books as they usually have copies.
Karin Carter
My grandfather Gregory Hutchison was one of his victims. The memorial serves as a wonderful memory of all those that were killed and serves as a commemorative Monument for families left behind. I would love a copy.
=Jacqueline Evans
Is this this the Karen Carter who used to live on Hampden street
Karin Carter
Jacqueline Evans yes that’s me
Bruce Macnab
My dad told me about that when I was going to school
Neil Wilson
Bruce Macnab must of been a long walk to school (sorry had to )
Peter Detlaff
Lots of stories like he got a telegram from hitler saying you hold the South Island Stan and I will take the north
Was this th one on the farm out th back way from th lake. I remember when I lived in hoki reading th memorial looking through the hole to where th main house was. He hid up on th stand alone hill few police and a couple others died to.
Del Godfrey
Stu McConchie yes that’s correct, at Kowhitirangi, a tragedy all round Stu McConchie
Del Godfrey I couldn't remember th name but I've been out there a few times. Its a story tht needs to be told to. Unfortunate it happened. Payed my respects there with flowers. Was th first time I'd ever heard about it driving past. Country life is hard at th best of times. A very sad story for all involved. Rest in peace fellow kiwis
Helen Joan Forrest
That whole thing was a bloody disaster. It could have been handled so much better than it was.
Benjames Watchman
Helen Joan Forrest isn't that allways the case.
Mary Prendergast
Helen Joan Forrest yes. That’s what my grandad said.
Karla Skates
Helen Joan Forrest I agree with you. There was a lot going on in the lead up. My partner is his great nephew.
Helen Joan Forrest
Karla Skates . I feel for all of the family. I grew up knowing about this
Phil Olson
The tragic storey not true storey of what really happened
Kevin Fleming
Phil Olson Which is?
Justine Warren Pearce
Diane Chesmar
Donna Laugesen
Krista Hubay
John Stuart
Yes I remember Dad talking about this the story ran in a mens adventure magazine called "Wide World" ,of morbid interest was after Stan Graham was shot,its alleged he said to the Constable, you didnt have to shoot I was coming in to give up.He had bee… See More
Stu McConchie
John Stuart thts th other side of the story. I heard at th pub out there to. V
Elizabeth Betty Woods
I met the Constable's son, no winners is all I can say!
John Stuart
Elizabeth Betty Woods ,oh so true ,especially as today help should be there,I didnt say would sadly.
Nina Townsend
Got the book its amazing wot small town gossip can do to a family.
Stu McConchie
Nina Townsend is th book still available. I guess it was printed locally. I'd love to read it.
Nina Townsend
Stu McConchie im not sure its called bad blood unfortunately a m8 has atm so carnt remember the author. But can find out 2mrrw
Stu McConchie
Nina Townsend thank you. This has sparked an interest for 15+ years ago now.
Kaye Millar
Stu McConchie The book is called 'Bad Blood' by H.A. Willis and is an excellent read about what happened ...you can view the movie on You Tube.
Stu McConchie
Kaye Millar thank you so much. Thts me tonight I'm going to watch it. Il find th book to if I can. Reading is always better than th movie side. Thanks again. Very much appreciated
Kerry Hermansen
Kaye Millar I've just tried to find the movie on you tube and it doesn't seem to be there?
Kaye Millar
Kerry Hermansen I can't find it now either ! Just a couple of trailers about the film ..how strange, I watched it on there but it was some time ago.
Geoffrey King
someone probably complained that it was a racist rant and it was removed
Judith Hansen
we had that book, blew away with the old woodshed.
Regan Bain
Liam Taylor
Terry Oconnor
Very sad for everyone concerned
John Stuart
Terry Oconnor yes indeed,mental health is very important.
Kelly Jacobs
Yes. A tragic event for everyone concerned.
Trish Dorrough
Terry Oconnor Hi Terry, are you related to the late Jim and Lorna O’Connor from CHC ? I’m a cousin
Trish Dorrough
Also the Browns - Kevin Brown and the Hallidays. Margaret Stephen from Westport was my cousin.
David Young
There is also ‘Bad Blood’, published in the 70s and made into excellent film of the same name in about 1983/4, by Andrew Brown. This was filmed mainly in Ross. I was at ‘The listener’ at the time and was able to speak to many locals who had lived through it, for a published story.
Peter Bradley
David Young it was filmed near where he lived in Kowhitirangi, not Ross I visit the film set a few times as I lived just down the road from where it was filmed in 1980
Alan Pegley
David Young In the movie aussie actor Jack Thompson played Stanley
David Young
Alan Pegley yes, and what a great Performance.
Garry Cooke
This is the same that l read, about 25yr ago.
Kaye Millar
Stan Graham clearly had some mental issues he believed his neighbours were poisoning his livestock. When it came time to hand over his rifle for the war effort ...he snapped.
Glenda OBrien
Kaye Millar correct, and I also think his wife egged him on a bit
Kaye Millar
Glenda OBrien I have heard that too ... the wife encouraged him.
Benjames Watchman
Glenda OBrien this is what the movie bad blood was based on I take it??
Kaye Millar
Benjames Watchman Yes it was ...also the book 'Bad Blood' ..
Benjames Watchman
Kaye Millar just so sad.
Benjames Watchman
Kaye Millar how many lives lost?...sorry don't know the history of this at all.
Kaye Millar
Benjames Watchman Stanley killed 7 ....and he was # 8 in the whole affair.
Benjames Watchman
Kaye Millar
Jeanne Godfrey
Kaye Millar you are correct. My dad was one of the policeman succonded there. He got the signatures of everyone involved there. Attached.
Kaye Millar
Stu McConchie
Kaye Millar to th right is th hill he hid on. Was on his farm. Wasn't th bank going to take the property to.
Kaye Millar
Kaye Millar
Ted Best died of gunshot wounds and lies not to far from Stanley.
May be an image of monument, outdoors and text that says 'EDWARD M. BEST ACED 40 YEARS. Beloved. AND HIS LOVED WIFE BESSIE ACED 82 YEARS'
Rachel Mosley
Lisa Cameron
Benjames Watchman
Rachel Mosley gosh,she lived another whole lifetime after he passed away.
Kerrie Simonsen
Bruce Hermann
Harvey Hutson
A man that was pushed to far
Sally King
my husbands grandfather was part of the man hunt. Amuri King.
Sally King
Amuri was platoon commander, Kaniere home guard. He and Coulson rushed grahams house. Coulston was shot . King managed to wound Graham from there and bring out Greg Hutchison out of the house
ShonaandMurray Marshall
Wonder, can you still get a copy like this? We have the hard copy but would really like one like this.
Rarn Johnston
Geez we have had our numbers of horrific murders masaccares on the coast
Linda Reedy
Poor persecuted man they did terrible things to him and his family and got away with it. The bullies!!
Badjah Wilson
Yeah, a sad story
Kelly Jacobs
It's easy to speculate in hindsight, but I wonder if there had been more awareness re.mental health and the situation had been handled differently if the shooting may have been avoided?
I'm just thinking out loud in a completely non judgemental way.… See More
Arlene Hutcheon
A terrible situation to have happened during the time of WW2.
Phil Norton
Yes I met this man while I was cleaning at the Rolleston prison in 1970 ? A very big broad man and I was wary of him as were some of the female cleaners if he was near as we'd heard all the stories..
John Stuart
Phil Norton Stan Graham was shot and died.
Brendon Williams
Phil Norton no you didn't. He died.
Jae Edwards
Manipulation at its finest. Law enforcements let it slide just for the reaction... Kind of like blowing up a balloon, it's going to go bang if you don't stop blowing it
Troy Crooks
Jae Edwards wow jae what intelligent answer
Linda Moore
Carole Cowan show Dad!
Willy Simpson
Seen the film ,poor basturd got hounded by the community and the police. Put a good fight up at the end .
Ian Miller
Two shillings? Well, whatever, Stan was the reason I gree up on the Coast because Dad was a policeman who replaced one of those shot.
Graeme Perry
Did Stanley have any brothers or sisters - if so a pity they could not help him
Graeme Perry when they are like that.. often they refuse help because they dont have insight
Sue Maree Aitken
Graeme Perry Stanley graham wasn’t a killer. Persecuted
Sue Maree Aitken Well he killed innocent people so he was a killer but sadly needed the help that we recognise today but didn't then. A tragic saga in history.
Sue Maree Aitken
Kaye McNabb my dad worked beside him on the farm…they crucified him. Half of the people he supposedly killed is rubbish!! You need to properly investigate….police had scores to settle
Graeme Perry
Yea got a rough deal it seems
Gareth Anderson
Graeme Perry he sure did, a sister, I go out with her great granddaughter, she's nuts to lol
Merv Fleming
Stan was driven to what he did, I don’t blame him at all
Des Kennedy
Kerry Molloy
I have two copies of the book-one as pictured and the other later volume.As an aside my relative Mr Trevor Molloy was a part of the crew .he was one of the party ,using amongst other things the old seaview hospital fire engine to produce rain on tap.II…]
Jessica Rose
Kerry Molloy This sounds right. Although the tight lippedness of the coast also kind of means that there isn't the learning that could help others? I mean it seems like we know what we need to, but without the candid testimony's then foolish rumours can perpetuate. I'm not suggesting any different approach, but I can see both sides of the respect of confidence.
Kerry Molloy
Jessica Rose .jessica even in this enlightend age Ican equivocally state we never truly know what a human being can do in any given situation,especially those in the deadly grip of the "fright ,flight ,fight syndrome".In my 48 yrs frontline nursing in mental health ,I honestly doubt i even scratched the surface of what the human mind is really capable of. sure what i saw was humans at their lowest ebb in a lot of cases ,often through no fault of their own, but in cases like infanticide ,spouse murders etc I still to this day in my retirement ponder on what darkness drives a human to such actions??externally we can identify well known precursors ,but the internal drivers -another field althogether.
]Kerry Molloy
you must see this in context though .a very small farming community ,some would say isolated .the second world war was the major international event and a lot of people did have family or relatives overseas fighting-another source of stress with uncertianty . the government of the day utilising wartime legislation to gather up cicilians .303rifles for home guard use.stan grahams own personal stressors -his appartent precarious financial situation,his problems with having his primary source of income milk/cream rejected by the dairy company,the couples increasing enstrangement from the local social activity,but to name a few factors which when confronted by a man of increasingly fragile mental state can easily fuel a disaster. In my later years as a forensic psychiatric nurse at sunnyside I did get involved with at least two westcoast cases where firearms were involved . neither ended in tragedy although it could easily have. this incident really shows just how dark and dangerous a human can become though under real stress.Unfortunately though it does repeat itself as we are all aware.
=Kerry Molloy
It would also appear his wife eventually bought into these delusions of persecution primarily in support of her husband who was vexed,but also maybe to try and live up to her marital vows.hence the folie a deur. the actaul truth is now forever consigned to history .personally I say leave all to rest in peace,.
James Tarrant
Kerry Molloy I remember Mort Cruikshank very well. He did so much and belonged to so many different groups etc. I remember him fondly.
]
James Tarrant
Kerry Molloy I knew him though my Car Club. Also I think he reconditioned the radiator in my fathers restoration.
James Newby
Here’s a couple more books and a copy of the movie that I have.
May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'MANHUNT The Story of Stanley Graham by H. A.Willis BAI BIFOD THE STORY OF STANLEY GRAHAM H.A.WILLIS BY'
James Newby
May be an image of 3 people and text that says 'JACK THOMPSON BẠL BITOD THE STORY OF STANLEY GRAHAM H.A.WILLIS BY BAD BLOOD THREE POLICEMEN ARE DEAD.. * THE MANHUNT HAS BEGUN Recommended for mature audiences merala aaাame'
Vern Pattinson
James Newby I've got the bad blood video
James Newby
May be an image of text that says 'KILLER ON THE COAST The True Story of STAN GRAHAM and New Zealand's Deadliest Manhunt TWO SHILLINGS'
Roger Gardiner
There is his grave. I took this photo only a couple of months ago.
Anarchist History of New Zealand
In March 1941 the New Zealand Government started nationalising private citizen's guns. Shortly before they had been asking for them to be contributed voluntarily but as usual that was just a prelude to compulsion.
Saying, "This is merely a precautionary measure," Labour 1.0 promised to give the firearms back to their owners after the War or else refund the value in cash (I wonder how often that happened?)
The most violent push-back came from West Coast man Stanley Graham who really didn't want to surrender his arms. The State sent masses of officers to hunt him down and finally kill him but Graham managed to take down 8 of the attackers with him.
Soon after, the home of Graham's widow and his children was burned to the ground. Today there's a huge and expensive-looking monument romanticising the Government officials killed in their attempt to carry out their orders.
Kerry Molloy
Anarchist History of New Zealand .you are incorrect -the labour government of that time invoked wartime regulations to allow for the collection of civilian .303rifles for use by the home guard and in some training camps .these regulations are not dissimilar to todays civil defence regulations where the govt can call upon the personnel and resources of the military to assit in disaster work Ala the christchurch earthquakes.
Anarchist History of New Zealand
Kerry Molloy Yes, that's what I said. It happened in March 1941.
Or is your disagreement over the difference between the term 'nationalising' and 'government collecting'?Stu McConchie
I must say such for sad event in our past it has been humbling seeing all th comments and people pulling together. This post definitely got my attention mainly because I had see th memorial in my past. But it's amazing how quickly people who have knowledge and wisdom of this and other events have come together. One great thing to come out of such sadness. Much respect and admiration to you all. Rip to th loved ones lost may you all be in a beautiful happy place now
Polly Minehan
Wonder what happened to his wife??
=Maegan Fraser
Polly Minehan I’ve been thinking the same
Polly Minehan James Newby didnt she end up in Christchurch?
Tarn Aldridge
It was mentioned the movie of this was on YouTube. I can't find it
Stu McConchie
Tarn Aldridge there is a link to it in th comments somewhere. Google may help. Movie is called bad blood.
Stu McConchie
Tarn Aldridge
May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'MANHUNT The Story of Stanley Graham by H.A.Willis BẠD BIGOD THE STORY OF STANLEY GRAHAM H.A.WILLIS'
Kerry Molloy
Aussie Jack Thompson played Stan graham ,aussie actress Carol Burns of TVs prisoner fame ,played his wife.their portrayal of a couple sinking into the chasm of madness is truly chilling.Jack is amongst aussies finest actors featuring in "The Man from S… See More
Kate Adams
I was working at the hospital when they filmed
Judy Lea
My Dad was one of the young army soldiers that was sent on the man hunt with the police and was there when he was shot .Dad wrote a letter about the manhunt to his Mum who lived on the Coast, which I have just donated to the police Museum … See More
Stephen Murray
Watch bad blood my grandmother anne rodden plays the piano in one of the scenes
Heather Newby
Stephen Murray Anne Rodden is a legend...she played the piano wonderfully
]Stephen Murray
Heather Newby she sure is i miss her every day
Colin Pattinson
Can you still get copy I wonder
Tate Paula
Colin Pattinson I think I have a copy of Manhunt from Dad, I’ll have a look and let you know. Also Take Note Bookshop in Hokitika did have copies of Manhunt, if they’re sold out, they can also try to source one for you
Hope you’re well and taking car… See More
Tate Paula
Colin Pattinson It’s been far too long, we miss you too. Was nice being able to pop past and visit. Know when things settle with the stupid pandemic, always a place to stay here with us when you make it across the ditch xxx
Anthea Keenan
We used to have that book up the farm, of course our parents part of the Community of Koiterangi 1941.
James Newby
For a copy try Hard to Find Books as they usually have copies.
Karin Carter
My grandfather Gregory Hutchison was one of his victims. The memorial serves as a wonderful memory of all those that were killed and serves as a commemorative Monument for families left behind. I would love a copy.
=Jacqueline Evans
Is this this the Karen Carter who used to live on Hampden street
Karin Carter
Jacqueline Evans yes that’s me
Bruce Macnab
My dad told me about that when I was going to school
Neil Wilson
Bruce Macnab must of been a long walk to school (sorry had to )
Peter Detlaff
Lots of stories like he got a telegram from hitler saying you hold the South Island Stan and I will take the north
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West Coast New Zealand History (17th Jun 2021). " Killer on the Coast - The True story of Stan Graham and New Zealand`s deadliest manhunt.".. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 10th Apr 2026 08:22, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/29511