The Swanson Tragedy

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 62, 15 March 1938, Page 7

The Swanson Tragedy

SON CHARGED WITH MURDER Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 14. An inquest was opened to-day before Mr. F. K. Hunt, concerning Robert Fitzroy Spensley, a farmer, of Swanson, whose body was found yesterday under a pile of hay. The body was identified by Sydney Arthur Henry Hammond, a painter, residing at Swanson, about a quarter of a mile from deceased’s farm. Witness said he had kuowu Spensley about nine years, and saw him frequently. He identified the body by the shirt deceased was wearing, his bald head and the colour of his hair. He saw him last five weeks ago on the road outsido his own farm. Spensley, who was aged 60, lived with his son, who, witness believed, was by deceased’s second marriage. The inquest was adjourned sine die. The discovery of the body was made by Sydney Hammond, aged 13. and Sidney Winslow, aged 14, sons of neighbours. They went to Spensley’s property about mid-day yesterday to milk a cow that had recently calved and alter milking had a look round the properly. Over a fence they saw some loose hay under a young pine tree. Closer inspection revealed what they believed was & body. They reported the discovery to Mr. Hammond, who, after investigation, drove his truck to Henderson, and reported to the police. It is understood that Francis Robert Spensley, aged 19, who was placed under arrest last night, had for the past four weeks been stopping at the homo of a neighbour, Mrs. Winslow. It is understood that the police took possession of two guns. Francis Robert Spensley was charged in the Police Court before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., that on or about February u he murdered Robert Fitzroy Spensley. He was remanded for a week.