MURDER AND SUICIDE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21983, 19 June 1933, Page 8

MURDER AND SUICIDE

THE WHATAUPOKO TRAGEDY NO FINANCIAL WORRIES (Pek United Press Association.) GISBORNE, June 17. At the inquest concerning the deaths of Lucy and Joseph William Wilson, Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., returned a verdict of murder and suicide. The evidence confirmed the earlier reports as to the condition of the bodies, pointing to the man having murdered the woman with a tomahawk. It was shown that between them the deceased pair had £1375 in Savings Bank deposits, and the sum of £75 in notes was found in a tin in the room in which the bodies were discovered. Joseph Wilson, an elderly man, and his wife were found a few days ago with their throats cut, and a search of the premises revealed an axe with a blunt part of the head covered in blood, suggesting that the woman, while sitting at a sewing machine, had been subjected to a murderous attack by her husband, and while unconscious her throat was cut. He had apparently then cut his own throat with a razor. Wilson, a wellknown member of the Waterside Workers' Union, had suffered from insomnia and influenza. According to the neighbours, he was of a somewhat morose disposition. He was a very tall man of powerful build, and his wife was slight and of average build. The couple had resided in Gisborne for 20 years. Mrs Wilson's parents reside in Christchivrch.