A MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1937, Page 5

A MURDER

OF AN OLD MAN CER'ALDINE TRAGEDY. (Per Press Association—Copyright) TIMAR U, September 12. William Gaby, proprietor of a general store on the Main South Road at Arundel, nine miles north of Geraldine, was the victim of a dastardly attack during Friday night, and was found dead in the kitchen behind his shop about 10 o’clock on Saturday morning. He was last seen alive, by a neighbour, about 8 o’clock on Friday night. Gaby, who was a bachelor, in h?s seventy-second .year, was found lying with liis hands tied together behind his back, his ankles also being tied loosely together. There was a severe wound on the forehead, apparent.lv caused by a blow from a heavy blunt instrument, which has not been found, although an extensive search lias been made.

The body was found fully dressetT The nearest house to the store Is that of Air K. Mathcson, from whom Gaby was in the habit of securing pig food daily. Quite frequently, Gaby did not make his call till after dark, and then lie went to the sty, which was one hundred yards from the store. Apparently, Gaby railed for the pig food on Friday night, and walked back from Alatheson’s along the Main Road, entering b.v a small gate on the north side of his shop, and then went round the side to the back door. The sound of his approaching footsteps, apparently, disturbed the intruder, who is thought to have struck Gaby a severe blow just as he readied the door. The unfortunate man evidently was carrying the pig tin and a lantern, for they w'ere found Together, with a box of matches and a small brown paper bag containing potatoes, on the footpath at the Lack door. A small patch' of blood marked the footpath, while there were several splashes of blood on the door. The assailant, evidently, lifted Gaby and dragged him Over the doorstep into the kitchen, and then tied his hands behind him, and loosely tied his ankles, the body being found lying face downwards on the floor, just in-' side the back door. The binding would appear to indicate that the assailant thought that Gal-'v would recover consciousness, and that, by this means lie would facilitate escape by preventing Gaby from securing assistance.

As Gaby lived alone, it is at present unknown whether any money or goods were taken. The shop was not disturbed, but a few coins were found on the floor. There was still money remaining in the till. The tragedy was discovered by Cb aides Johnston, a labourer, of Arundel, who called at the shop for petrol. 'He summoned the police, and Doctor Mail of Geraldine, hut the latter could only pronounce life extinct.

Inspector T. Shanahan. DotectivoSei’geant E. Thomas, Detective N. Kempt (Timnni), were early on Ihe scene, anil thev wi'i n reinforced Inl nr l>v SeAcant M. Hill and Constable A hornet liv (Teniukn).

'Die absence of any definite clue in the shape of an instrument increased the difficulties of the police, who made a thorough search of the store. The store is a few hundred yards from the Rangitata River bed, and, with a large gorse paddock some distance west of the house, the surrounding countryside offers unlimited scope for hiding a weapon. Gaby purchased his buisness 15 years ago, and 12 years ago the original shop was destroyed by fire.

The tragedy on Friday was the third occasion on which the premises had been entered with criminal intent dHiving the last three years. About three years ago, the shop was entered by two masked men, who demanded that Gaby bold up, or, other, wise, a refusal would mean that he would he shot. The intruders ' made off when Gaby threatened to get a shot gun. A year ago, the shop was again burgled, and £25 was but on Friday night the unfortunate man was apparently taken by surprise.

Gaby, who was much respected throughout, the district was a Chairman of the Arundel FRill Committee and of the School Committee for a long term, but failing health caused him to relinquish these positions .

A brother of AFr Gaby lives at Temuka, and A. G. Dryant. of Oemldine, was bis aunt, her place being a second home for him. air Gahv’s petrol station is well known to motorists who travel regularly between Christchurch and Tim arn. Arundel is only a very small settlement. and there are very few hahitaions within easy range of the petrol station.