DEATH PACT.

Grey River Argus, 17 January 1928, Page 5

DEATH PACT.

THE WELLINGTON TRAGEDY. WELLINGTON, January IQ. The gas tragedy at Lyall Bay in which Harold Wilson, aged 30, formerly resident of Tasman Street, thought to he a baker by occupation, and Ivy Walton, aged 17, formerly resident of Miramar, were the victims occurred in a house which on December 22nd was furnished and rented for three weeks by the two deceased, who told the owner that they required it for an uncle and aunt from Palmerston North. Wilson paid the rent in advance, paying an additional ten shillings per week on what the owner was asking. The deceased is stated to have been a well-spoken young man, smartly attired, and to have appeared to be in good circumstances, not being short of ready money when he paid the three weeks’ rent in cash. The couple, however, did not take possession of the house until early in the New Year, and their tenancy expired on Thursday last, January 12th. On the morning of that day the following note was received by the owner through the post: “Will call and leave keys at your office on Thursday evening. Sincerely.—Rawlins.” No kev was left, and wanting to regain possession of the house on Saturday, the owner went around to the pest office., where Wilson had previously stated ttat he worked, having employment on the night staff. Enquiries made of the postal officials, however, elicited the information that no one by the name of “Rawlins” was employed at the Wellington office.

The owner first went out to Lyall Bay at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, but finding the house locked up, presumed that “Mr and Mrs Rawlins” were out for the afternoon. He returned at 6 p.m., and finding the house still locked, forced the back door. The bedroom door was also locked, and forcing this he discovered Wilson and Miss Walton dead. A rubber tubing led from the gas stove in the kitchen to the bedroom, the gaspipe to the stove having been cut through and the tube attached to this. Thejjp was tubing in the house but not sufficient to reach to the bedroom, and an extra length had apparently been secured from some source or other. The gas was still on when the discovery was made.