RECLUSE’S HIDDEN WEALTH
BANK BOOKS AMONG LITTER. TOTAL SUM OF £l5OO. After nearly a month’s search in some sheds at Darlington, County Durham, the hidden money of a recluse who died last January has been brought to light. The dead owner, Mr. Daniel Cuthbertson, aged 67, a wheelwright, had lived in Darlington for many years, latterly occupying a single room in Skinnergate. It was known that he owned a small lodging-house, and two cottages at Bondgate, and that he also had a half-share in a shop at Skinnergate. Mr. Cuthbertson lived very quietly and spent little money. Following his death the administrator of the estate supervised a thorough search of two sheds which he had built. It was found that Mr. Cuthbertson had not destroyed a single communication which he had received in the last 20 years, and among the mass of litter were newspapers dating back to 1900.
The searchers also discovered a Post Office Savings Bank book showing that more than £6OO had been deposited; and pass books setting forth substantial sums to his credit at six other banks.
In addition there were pass books for accounts in two building societies, Treasury bonds and other- securities, and uncashed dividend vouchers. Altogether the securities and bank accounts represent £l5OO. While the search was in progress the flooring of one of the sheds gave way, and in a hole which had been dug in the ground were a number of tin boxes containing documents. Mr. Cuthbertson left a will, which has been found in order. He left his property first to an elder brother, Mr. Nathan Cuthbertson, in Australia, and then for distribution among nephews in England,
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19330603.2.76
Bibliographic details
Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1933, Page 7
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277RECLUSE’S HIDDEN WEALTH Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1933, Page 7
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