FOUND DEAD

Southland Times, Issue 22200, 18 December 1933, Page 7

FOUND DEAD

WIFE AND HUSBAND MURDER AND SUICIDE SUSPECTED UNUSUAL FEATURES (Per United Press Association.) Gisborne, December 17. ’The small soldiers settlement of Wharekaka, four miles from Tolaga Bay, which is 36 miles north of Gisborne, was the scene of a. terrible tragedy in the early hours this lrioxn—ing when a woman was found dead with a fractured skull, and later her husband’s body was discovered in the milking shed with a bullet wound m his head. The deceased were: Annie Amelia Martin, 32 or 33 years of age, and her husband, Henry Martin, better known as "Kelly” Martin, about 53 years of age. Both are well- known residents ot tne district. „ Early this morning Constable Canning, of Tolaga Bay, telephoned Inspector O’Halloran, of Gisborne, that a woman had been found dead in the garden at her home, apparently murdered, and that the husband was missing. The woman’s body , was covered with a sack and an oilskin. Suspecting that the man had taken to the bush, a party, comprising Inspector O’Halloran, Senior-Sei geant Wade, Constable King, and also Mr E. L. Walton, the district coroner, left Gisborne about seven o clock in the morning. On arrival at Tolaga Bay they were met by Constable Canning, who reported that he had found the husband in the milking shed, about 150 yards from the house. There was evidence that Martin had taken a gun to the shed, tied a strap to the trigger, placed the muzzle in his mouth and then pulled the strap down with his foot. The woman had been struck with a blunt instrument while in the bedroom, the skull being fractured. The body had then been carried out. in the garden and placed m a position where it could be found. The coroner, Mr Walton, opened an inquest and after identification proceedings adjourned it till Friday. Unhappy Marriage. The couple had led an unhappy life and the woman had left home pending proceedings for a separation order, but she returned home before the action was heard. The woman was at a picture show at Tolaga Bay on Saturday night, and when she returned it is understood a violent quarrel ensued. From what can be gathered it appears that the woman was struck by an iron bolt and the body taken through the house in the presence of some of the children into the garden where it was found. . r r - The deceased leave a family ot five, the eldest being 12 years.

AUCKLAND TRAGEDY HUSBAND AND WIFE FOUND DEAD. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, December 17. A double tragedy was discovered in Remuera road at eight o clocx this morning, when William Brandcr, aged 60, well-known in Auckland busmess circles, and his wife, Ruth Diary’ Scott Brandcr, aged 42, were found dead in the kitchen. Gas-poisoning is presumed to be the cause of death. Brandcr was manager of Collins Bros.’ branch in Auckland. He and his wife were widely respected residents of New Zealand for some 18 years. They' previously lived in England, where Brander was a stockbroker. It is understood that an unsigned note led the maid employed at the house to communicate with a doctor, and the tragedy was. then discovered. The bodies were lying on the floor, pillows being beneath the heads of the husband and wife. The gas escaping from the oven was turned off and police assistance obtained. The Branders were a most devoted couple and did not have any children. Brander lately had been in ill-health. It is understood the doctor’s verdict was very disquieting. Prior to coming to New Zealand in 1915 Brander was a member of the London Stock Exchange. He was a keen sports enthusiast, a member of the Middlemore Golf Club and well known as a tennis and billiards player. He was a member of the Northern Club. He was married in 1919.