FARMER FOUND SHOT

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21806, 11 June 1936, Page 8

FARMER FOUND SHOT

Murder Suggested By Circumstances WOUND IN BACK, BUT NO GUN FOUND (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WHANGAREI, June 10. Ernest Severin Nelson, aged 55, a well-known farmer of Waihou Valley, whose farm is three miles from Okaihau, was killed about 7.20 last night in circumstances suggesting murder. As was his custom, he had gone to the £ate to collect the mail. Later he was fouad by his mother-in-law lying dead on a drive about 100 yards from the house. There was a gunshot wound in his back. No trace of the. weapon has been found. The shot was obviously fired at close range. He had a bundle of letters and papers in his hand. Inspector O’Hara and Senior-Ser-geant Finch, of Whangarei, are investigating. At the inquest to-day, William Nelson, of Pakaraka, said bis brotherwas in good health and spirits when he saw hint last on April 20. Nelson employed a large staff on his 1800-acre farm. All were at home last evening. They say they heard a shot. One of the last persons to see Nelson alive was Ken Howe, a son of Mr and MrsE. N. Howe, share-milkers. Howe had gone to Nelson’s house preparatory to getting the mail. However, Nelson said he would go, and Howe was returning home when he heard the shot. He concluded that it was someone shooting ducks. Mr Nelson was born in Sweden, and came to New Zealand when a child. He had been in the north for many years. He was a successful farmer and one of the biggest suppliers to the Bay of Islands dairy factory. He was married last February, his wife being a half-caste Maori. Mr Nelson was a large employer of labour, and in addition to a family of share-milkers, several Maoris were employed by him. He was regarded in many ways as a benefactor by the Maori population in the neighbourhood. He was very deaf, it being necessary to shout when conversing with him.