SUSPICION OF MURDER

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 25 August 1931, Page 4

SUSPICION OF MURDER

DEAD CYCLIST ON ROADWAY

HEAD AND BODY WOUNDS

BOBBERY BELIEVED MOTIVE

With every indication pointing to premeditated murder, the body of Edwin John Blakeway, aged 26, which was found at 7.30 yesterday morning on the side of the road at Karere, to the south of Longburn, had several bullet wounds in the head, face, and body, states a Dominion service message from Palmerston North. Robbery is believed to be the motive. A suspect was questioned by detectives, but up to a late hour no arrest had been made.

Mr Blakeway had boon employed in the Railway Booking Office at Otaki up till August 11, when he was transferred to Palmerston North. On Sunday' evening he visited Miss Betty' Meehan, daughter of Mr P. Meehan, farm manager for Mr R. Tanner, near Longburn. On leaving shortly after 11 p.in. he was accompanied as far as the gate by Miss Meehan. This was the last occasipn on which he was seen alive. • NEWSPAPER RUNNER’S DISCOVERY.

At 7.30 yesterday' morning his body i was found by' Mr L. Ward, a newspaper runner, l.ving on the road about 200 yards from Mr 'Tanner’s residence. His bicycle was 15 feet ayvay'. There was blood on the face and arms, the blood being congealed and the body rigid. There was no sign of a struggle, and what probably happened was that the murderer waited for Mr. Blakeway and fired at him. At about that time visibility was good. There was practically no wind, but the shots, which should have been heard by those in the nearby house, were not heard, or at least not noticed.

MONEY MISSING.

It is thought .that the motive for the murder was robbery. Deceased was known to have had £3O in his pocket on the Sunday, and when found lie had only' Is 4d in his possession. While the detectives are very reticent on the subject and will give no information, investigations, made by a “Dominion’’ representative indicate that the police have a very strong clue and that an arrest will shortly be made.

A farm employee working at Fitzherbert was closely questioned by detectives. His personal effects were reached and a pearifle and bullets were taken possession of by the police.

Deceased was a well-known amateur cyclist, and took part in a race conducted by the Manawatu Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club on Saturday. Ho was boarding in Palmerston North. His parents reside in Avonhead 'Street, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch.