BODY IN BURNED HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 12

BODY IN BURNED HOME.

POULTRY-FARMER'S FATE,

A DISCHARGED SHOTGUN.

NOTE FOUND BY THE POLICE,

With a discharged shotgun lying nearby, the charred remains of Mr. George F. Thurgood, poultry farmer, aged about 60, were found in the smoking ruins of his home, a five-roomed house, at O'Neill's Road, Swanson, shortly before noon yesterday. A search subsequently mado by the police revealed a letter deposited in an incubator house, which was not damaged by the flames, antf this indicated that he intended to commit suicide. Although he had 'not been in good health lately and was worried over financial matters, Mr. Thurgood appeared to be in good spirits; early yesterday morning when he was seen by several friends. Although ho frequently shared his house with other people, he had been living alone for about .a week. At about 11.30 yesterday morning, a neighbour, Mr. H. Wanklin, heard a gunshot. When he went to investigate he saw flajmes issuing from Mr. Thurgood's house,.and it was evident the fire had started before the gun was discharged. ,■

A search was made for Mr. Thurgood, but without avail, and when the flames had subsided, with the building practically razed to the ground, his remains wer6 found inside the house by Constable Rush ton, of Swanson. Tho body was burnt to such an extent that it was impossible to tell where the gunshot wound had been inflicted. Constable Rushton also made a search of the outhouses and discovered the note left by the dead man.

During the six years in which he was engaged in poultry farming at Swanson Mr. Thurgood made many friends and was a highly-respected resident. Before coming to Swanson he was engaged in the timber industry near Ohakune.