Legs and Arms Tied

Horowhenua Chronicle, 13 January 1932, Page 8

Legs and Arms Tied

OLD PIONEER’S MYSTERIOUS * END. SUICIDE THEORY SCOUTED > BODY FOUND IN MANAWATU , river. I A new angle on the circumstances surrounding the death of Samuel Dennison (or Deuniston), aged 82, whose body was found in the Manawatu River near the Pitzherbert bridge on Sunday, is provided by the fact .that, bis wrists were tied with string and his lees with wire when he was recovered from the water. This new factor appears to discount the theory that tho old man’s death was accidental, and while it does not dispose of the sug, eestion that he committed suicide, leaves room for doubt as to whether there was foul play. ; , Exhaustive inquiries made by the “Times” yesterday indicated that the late Mr. Dennison, .who had no fixed j place of abode, but who had resided ; in and around Dannevirke and Palmerston, North for a number of years, was of a particularly cheerful disposition and that the theory of suicide is ridiculed by those who knew him wtll in the months preceding his death. Identity of the body was definitely established yesterday by Scnior-Scr, geant Martin of Dannevirke, who visit cd Palmerston North for that purpose. It is about a year since deceased was last s<?en in Dannevirke. ncc then he has’ been working in the vicinity oi Palmerston 'North.

Sketchy details of his career were given by the late Mr Dennison to Mrs W. H. Smith, of Boundary Road, by whom he was employed for several mouths recently, tie was for many years a resident of Invercargill where he was engaged as a gardenfer. Acting on medical advice he came north, and for a period stayed with a friend in Napier. He suffered an injury to hi« shoulder, and on his recovery was en vulfed in tho earthquake last year His friend was the first woman to be killed by the catastrophe in Napier Ho was then apparently stranded, and came to Palmerston North where ha obtained casual employment of a light nature.

Deceased stated that his parents died while he was a child and he, was pass ed into the care of Bishop Selwyn, at Auckland, at the age of two years, uy the captain of a vessel. He also claimed that he was a cousin of the late Judge Dcnniston. According to his narrative he was reared by Bishop Solwyn with tho latter’s children and accompanied the Bishop in the Southern Cross in a trip to the South Sou Islands He was and prepared for the church but, in the end, did not take the vows. "It is inconceivable that this old gentleman should commit suicide," said Mrs 'Smith. "He was always cheery and talkative, and despite his age, took a keen and kindly interest in life. He was devoted to young children and animals. When he left my employ early; in December, L gave him some money and clothes and he spoke with great optimism of the future. ; ’

Mrs. W. Moffat, of Awapuni, also has a long acquaintanceship with Dennison, who worked on her property for two or three years. She saw him only last week, when he was in excellent spirits and stated that he was looking forward to a restful holiday. Ho had a good memory, spoke a little Maori, was well travelled, and was well dressed. It seemed absurd to suggest that he would take his own life.