AUCKLAND MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1933, Page 5

AUCKLAND MURDER

A MYSTERY CRIME TAXI-DRIVER DYING AT WHEEL. (Per Press Association, Copyright). AUCKLAND, Oct. 15. Dying from a blow on the head delivered by an unknown assailant, a taxi-cab driver was found at the wheel of his cab by a 'milkman, who was delivering milk ,in r Mount Ruskill shortly before six-o’clock this morning. There was no sign of a struggle, nor the implement -with which the blow was 1 struck. The injured man. was rushed to Auckland Hospital, But died as he was being admitted.

The victim was James Blair, aged 53, of Newton, married, with three children, and employed by the Chess Taxi Cabs, he being an auxiliary; driver engaged on night, duty. When the discovery was made, the taxi was standing in King’s Road, off Dominion Road, and near the corner of Parua street, formerly known as Lover’s Lane. The vehicle was standing in a normal-position at the left aide of the road, which has ", houses upon each side, and ' at' fairly ,close intervals for its entire length. .It is thought the attack’ was made about two hours before the discovery, a s the taxi was wet with dew as though it had been standing for;.' some time. The engine had stopped, but the taximeter was still,ticking, and registered ibs.'

The motive; for. - the crime • has v nob yet been ascertained, with any degree of definiteness. Blair had. some moiiey in his'possession when .found, but it ' s not known whether he had ; a further sum which his assailant took. His entry book showed 37s wiorth of work done, but that :s not- held to indicate he had 37s in cash on liis person whoa the attack took place. It; is believed the assailant was. a “fare.’;’ \vhp hailed Blair in the. street...y ’ It is a matters'pf routine for taxidrivers to ring their central '-'office upon returning to the stand after completing a'jobj and Blair r rang 1 h office about 3.40/this': morning,' having then returned io the,stand in. Upp.-r Queen street. -'Erpm. that time, cowards nothing 'more was heard from, him, until he was-found. -VNo/one in the street where the .taxi was fou-;I had any idea of thA tragic happening until they were-awakened by the police, who ; arriyeci; .in ,force, and immediately commenced an 'intensive Investigation, including' a "search for a MmjLhas • been-mada,.-and no weapon found. /../ A-.