NORTH AUCKLAND MURDER

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21807, 12 June 1936, Page 16

NORTH AUCKLAND MURDER

Baffling Mystery Faces Police NO CARTRIDGE CASE YET FOUND (rust IfISOCIATIOI TILKOBA.iI.) WHANGAREI, June 11. So far the police have found no clue to the murder of Ernest Severin Nelson. Many avenues have been investigated. and statements have been obtained from farm employees and Maoris living in the native settlement at Rangiahua, about five miles away, but without result. It was discovered to-day that Nelson bought a shotgun at Kaikohe on May 27, but the weapon was not taken to Nelson’s home, being left with friends some distance up the valley. Examination of the body showed that the shot entered the back at the left side and travelled upwards, piercing the heart and lungs. It has been proved beyond doubt that the shot which killed Nelson was fired at point-blank range. There is

a small depression in the ground, with a briar bush in it, a few yards from where the body was found, and it is assumed that the assailant was in hiding as the victim passed. Two portions of a shotgun cartridge wad were found. The discovery of the body was made by Mrs Smith,, mother of Mrs Nelson, who with her husband had come to Nelson to have confirmed a verbal agreement that they might have the use of a car to go to Rawene next day. Mr Smith remained in the vehicle at the gate while Mrs Smith went to the house to see Nelson. She had gone only a short distance when she came to the body. A cigarette butt lay on the ground and the evening’s mail was clutched in Nelson's hand. Mrs Nelson was visiting friends at the time, but was brought home after the discovery of the tragedy. Detective H. C. Murch, who has just returned to New Zealand from Scotland Yard, has joined the force investigating the murder. Further police reinforcements are expected tomorrow. Two guns have been taken into possession by the police, but the absence of a cartridge • case is a hampering feature. The paspalum and under growth will be searched in due course.