OLD MAN’S DEATH

Southland Times, Issue 21716, 31 May 1932, Page 6

OLD MAN’S DEATH

shocking injuries MAORI BOY ARRESTED CHARGED WITH MURDER (Per United Press Association.) Whangarei, May 30. An old age pensioner, George Crewe, aged 74, single, who had resided in a hut at Ruatangata, 12 miles from Whangarei for some years, was found dead in bed by a neighbour, Duncan McDiarmid, yesterday morning. When the blankets were pulled down it waS found the old man had been foully slain by blows on the top and side of the head, evidently with the back of an axe which, with hair and blood sticking to it, was found alongside a bush. There was also a deep wound above the eye. “I would not have, killed a bullock like that,” said a beholder. The body was subsequently brought into the Whangarei morgue. The police' this morning arrested a quarter-caste Maori boy named Heta Fred Gardner, who was brought before the Magistrate, Mr Morris, and charged with murder and remanded to June 7. The inquest on deceased was adjourned after evidence of identification had been taken. Crewe was born at Hawick and served his apprenticeship to coach-painting with Cousins and Atkins, Auckland. About 40 years ago he came to Kamo with his parents. For many years he had lived by himself in a small hut on Ruatangata road. He was a fine character, being very independent, and had refused to enter the Old Men’s Home although not robust. His friends a year ago persuaded him to accept the old age pension. He lived very frugally and took a pride in saving a little from his allowance.