No Development In Wairoa Murder : Intensive Police Search Now In Progress

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22823, 18 December 1948, Page 6

No Development In Wairoa Murder : Intensive Police Search Now In Progress

(S.R.)

WAIROA, Dec. 18.

There are no further developments concerning the mysterious death of Mr. Herbert William Brunton, aged 69, blacksmith and labourer, whose battered body was found in his hut near the Wairoa railway station yesterday morning.

An inauest was opened before Mr. | V. E. Winter, district coroner, yesterday afternoon, and after evidence of identification by Constable J. J. King, it was adjourned sine die.

Police activities have been intensified. Numerous photographs have been taken of the scene.

Intruder’s Inquiries.

The indications are that there is a strong reason for believing that a person sought information late on Thursday night as to which was Mr. Brunton’s hut. According o a nearby neighbour, he was disturbed about 10 o'clock by a torch which was being _ shone through a window. On investigating the intruder asked him if there were any women in the house, to which the neighbour replied no. The intruder then asked who lived in Mr Brunton's hut after which he made off. This claim has been substantiated by a second person. The police are making inquiries concerning the visit. An examination of the unfortunate man discloses the fact that more severe blows were struck than were at first observed. One of the heaviest blows was across the forehead. It was sufficient to cause death. Detectives From Wellington.

Four police officers headed by Inspector J. Bruce Young have arrived from Wellington to investigate the murder of Mr. Brunton. The other three are Detective-Sergeants G. Hogan and G. C. Urquhart and Sergeant J. Colclough, fingerprint expert and photo grapher.

Dr. Somerville arrived last night from Hastings and carried out an examination of the body. An axe found near the stove in the hut has been taken possession of, but not. until it is thoroughly examined will it be known if it was the weapon used. Already inquiries have been made as far afield as Gisborne, but without success.

The police already in Wairoa are to be further reinforced today with the arrival of Senior-Detective H. Campion and two constables from Hastings, with two further members of the force from Napier.

A police party from Napier under Superintendent J. Abel, arrived in Wairoa shortly before 11 a.m. yesterday, and immediately went to the scene of the crime. Local police officers had already started investigations, interviewing a number of persons near the scene and also travelling out of town. Few Drinks With Friend

It is understood that the deceased was seen later than 10 o’clock on Thursday night when he had a few drinks with a friend at his hut. Unfortunately the deceased’s closest neighbour suffers seriously from deafness and is therefore, unable to give any information regarding noise or cries for help if any, during the night. As far as can be ascertained the motive was not robbery for the reason that it was known that Mr. Brunton had little money. Further, nothing appears to have been disturbed in the hut itself. There are no signs of a struggle outside although the entrance to the hut was found open this morning and there were bloodstains on portions of it.

The entrance to the section where the hut is situated is gained by stepping through a wire fence, there being no gate. The wires have been carefully examined for sheds of clothing.