FARMER FOUND DEAD

Southland Times, Issue 22913, 11 June 1936, Page 13

FARMER FOUND DEAD

CIRCUMSTANCES POINT TO MURDER GUNSHOT WOUND IN BACK (United Press Association.) Whangarei, June 10. Ernest Severin Nelson, aged 55, a well-known farmer in the Waihou Valley whose farm is situated three miles frorii Okaihau, was killed in circumstances pointing to murder about 7.<10 last nigrit. As was his custom, he had gone to the gate to collect his mail, and was later found by his mother-in-law lying dead on the drive 100 yards from the house with a gunshot wound m his back. There was no trace of a weapon. The shot was obviously fired at close range. The deceased had a bundle of letters and papers in his hand. The whole affair is wrapped in mystery. He was a native of Sweden, but came to New Zealand when three years of age. He had been in the North for many years, and was a successful farmer and one of the biggest suppliers to the Bay of Islands dairy factory. He married a half-caste Maori last February. Mr W. S. Nelson, of Pakeraka, is a brother, while two other brothers are farming in Hawkes Bay. The deceased was a large employer of labour, and in addition to a family of share milkers, employed several Maoris. He was regarded in many ways as a benefactor to the Maori population in the neighbourhood for many years. He was very deaf,’ it being necessary to shout wrien conversing with him.