ALLEGATION OF MURDER

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 30 May 1932, Page 7

ALLEGATION OF MURDER

DEATH OF AGED RECLUSE PRESUMED ASSAULT WITH AXE DISCOVERY NEAR, WHANGAREI MAORI YOUTH. BEFORE COURT (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WHANGAREI, May 30. An old-age pensioner, George Crewe, aged 74, .single, wlio had resided in a hut at Riuatangata, 12. miles froni Whangarei, fo.r some years vras. found dead in bed by a neighbour, Duncan MjdDiarmid, yesterday morning. When the bankets were pulled down it was found that the. old man had been foully slam by blows on the top and side of his head. Evidently the blows were made with the baok of an axe which, with hairs and blood sticking to it, was found nearby. A deep wound had also been inflicted above the eye. The body was brought into the Whangarei morgueThe police this morning arrested a 'quarter-caste Maori boy named Heat Fred Gardner, who was brought before Mr Morris, S.M., and charged with murder. He was remanded to June 7.

An inquest ou deceased was adjourned after evidence of identification had been taken.

Crewe was born at Ho wick and served his apprenticeship at couth painting with Cousins and Atkins, Auckland. About 40 years ago he came to Kamo with his parents and for many years lived by himself in a small hut on the Ruatangata Road. He was a fine character, very independent, and refused to enter the Old Men’s Home, but was persuaded to accept the old age pension. He lived very frugally and took a. pride in saving a- little from his allowance.