UNSOLVED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 259, 2 November 1931, Page 9

UNSOLVED.

CITY MURDER MYSTERY.

CLOSE INVESTIGATION.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSAILANT

PROBABLY BLOOD OX CLOTHES.

Confronted with one of the most puzzling crimes and with only the slenderest clues upon which to -work, Auckland detectives have so far not made an arrest in connection; with the brutal murder of Mr. Arthur James Blomfield, at hie shop in Wellesley Street early on Friday evening.

Inspector J. W. Hollis and Sub-Inspec-tor T. Gibson have charge of the investigations. Ever since the crime was first reported to the police every assailable detective has been engaged in an -endeavour to unravel the mystery. Unfortunately valuable time was lost on Friday evening, for quite half an hour had elapsed before the police were informed of the attack upon Mr. Blomfield. The crime escaped detection until Mr. Wheeler returned to the shop and found Mr. Blomfield, and then, naturally, the first attention was given to the injured man. This accounts for the lapse of time before the police were informed. The assailant was lucky in that nothing of a struggle or the breaking of glass was heard by any passer-by. About the time of the tragedy there were many people in Wellesley Street, but nothing untoward was noticed. . The assailant's nerve after attacking Mr. Blomfield was shown by-the casual way lie left the premises. . *. ..'■'.:

The 'police liaA 7 e made a concentrated search for evidence that might assist them, and to-day detectives Avere making inquiries in A'arious parts of the city. They are hopeful that their task will be successful.

Seen by Only One Man. Much depends upon what Mr. .John D. Pollock has told the detectives, for it was he Avho saAv and spoke to the man who is believed to be "Mr. Blomfield's murderer. He alone will be able to identify a suspect Avhen one.ie picked up by the police. Mr. Pollock reached the pharmacy about three minutes past five o'clock on Friday afternoon and' waited for a couple of minutes to be attended to. A young man, dressed in a blue suit, came from the rear of _the shop and halting for a moment, said to Mr. Pollock, /"HeAvill be here in a few minutes." Mr. Pollock says the man spoke quite naturally and in a tone that failed to arouse suspicion. Mr. Pollock understood that the man Ava6 referring to the proprietor of the shop. About 5.10 Mr. Wheeler, who is em : ployed at the pharmacy, returned to the shop from.'tea and made the terrible 'discovery. ■■ ;' V .

'Mr, Pollock describes the man who spoke, tq him as being of slim build, abbutSft 9in ; in height, and dressed in a blue suit. Unfortunately, there is.nothing unusual in this description, for hundreds of men in Auckland could be found "to answer-it.. . ; . \ '■ :

:j/ ;.£he' police- haVe .traced the .shop the' fish- and" , •chips, "found" , in '■'Mr. Wheeler's &ag -on "top- of the 6afe in the room Avhere Mr., Blomfteld wa6 attacked, vras bought, and have obtained a description of the man Avho obtained them. This coincides Avith the description given by Mr. Pollock.

On Saturday afternoon Dr. D. N. W. ; Murray, together with Chief Detective Hammond, made 1 a close inspection of the room where Mr. Blomfield was attacked. • Numerous bloodstains were found on the walls of the room and aleo upon packages and bottles on the shelves. This makes' it appear probable that the assailant left tlie shop with his clothing spattered with biood. Mr. Pollock noticed n,6 Wood about the man he saw, but Mr.' Pollock, when he saw the man, was unaware of the c/ime.

Search for 'Weapon. The police theory, based on the nature of the 16 .wounds' on Mr. Blomfield's head, is that a steel instrument, such as a shifting spanner, was ; used by the murderer. This theory is supported by the fact that the deep wounds "Were evenly interspaced. Detectives have maSe and are still making a thorough search for a spanner, or other iron instrument. Vacant sections in the vicinity and other, places have been searched, 'but so far without result. The pharmacy was also closely searched in case 'the murderer hid the weapon before leaving the shop. " ' Mr. Blomfield's Funeral. ! A large number of relatives and friends attended the funeral ft Mr. Blomfield yesterday at Purewa Cemetery. A short service at Mr. Blomiield's late home at Eastbourne Road, Remuera, was conducted by the Rev. Dr. C, H. Laws, assisted by the Rev. J. H. Allen, Minister of the Remuera Methodist Church. They also conducted the" service at the graveside. The pall bearers were Messrs. H Blomfield, a brother, A. Hall, W. J. Wheeler and W. Jack. The Pharmaceutical Society' of New Zealand was represented by Messrs. E. Smith, H. I. King and A. Horsley. Many wreaths were sent. The relatives of Mr. Blomfield have received many telegrams and cablegrams of sympathy.