FARMER'S DEATH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 163, 11 June 1936, Page 8

FARMER'S DEATH

A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR. WELL-KNOWN NORTH SETTLER. Per Press Association. WHANGAREJ, June 10. Ernest Severin Nelson, well-known farmer, of Waihou Valley, whose farm is situated three miles from Okaihau, was killed in circumstances pointing to murder about 7.20 last night. As was his custom, Mr Nelson had gone to Ills gate to collect liis mail. Later he was found by his mother-in-law lying dead on the drive, 150 yards from the house with a gunshot wound in the back.

There was no trace of a weapon. The shot was obviously iired at close range. Deceased had a bundle of letters and papers in one hand. The whole affair is wrapped,in mystery. Mr Nelson was a native of Sweden, but came to New Zealand when three years of age. He had been in the north for many years. He was a successful fanner and one of the biggest suppliers to the Bay of islands dairy factory. Ho married a half-caste Maori last February. Mr W. S. Nelson, of Pakaraka, is a brother of deceased and two others are farming in the Hawke’s Bay. Mr Nelson was a employer of labour and in addition to a family of share milkers had several Maoris employed by him. He was regarded in many ways ■as a benefactor of the Maori population in the neighbourhood. For many years he has been very deaf, it beirig necessary to shout when conversing with him. EVIDENCE AT INQUEST. NO FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS. Per Press Association. WHANGAREI, Juno 10. No developments in connection with the Waihou Valley tragedy are reported. Inspector O’Hara and Senior-Ser-geant Finch, of Whangarei, are investigating the case. An an inquest to-day, William Nelson, of Pakaraka, said his brother was in good health and spirits when lie saw him last on April 20. His brother had married a half-caste girl named Smith last February, and witness had expressed disapproval of the marriage in certain quarters. Deceased’s wife had left home on one occasion owing to the fact that there was insufficient room for her own family and a family of share-milkers, but she had returned later. Nelson employed a large staff on his 1800-acre farm. All were at home last evening, and some say they heard a shot.

One of the last persons to see Nelson alive was Ken Howe, son of Mr and Mrs E. N. Howe, share-mlikers. Howe had gone to Nelson’s house preparatory to getting the mail. However, Nelson said he would go and Howe was returning homo when he heard a shot. He concluded it was someone shooting ducks.