AUCKLAND COUPLE DEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1933, Page 7

AUCKLAND COUPLE DEAD

GAS POISONING PRESUMED

WELL-KNOWN BUSINESS MAN.

ILL-HEALTH SUFFERED LATELY.

DOCTOR’S DISQUIETING VERDICT.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Auckland, Last Night.

A double tragedy was discovered in Remuera Road at 8 o’clock this morning, when William Brander, aged 60, well known in Auckland business circles, and his wife, Ruth Mary Scott Brander, aged 42, were found dead in the kitchen. Gas poisoning is presumed to be the cause of death. , Brander was manager of Collins Brothers’ branch at Auckland. He and his wife had been widely respected residents of New Zealand for 18 years. They previously lived in England, where Brander was a stockbroker. It is understood an unsigned note led a 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. Gas escaping from an oven was turned off and police assistance was obtained. The Branders were a most devoted couple. They did not have any children. Brander had lately been in illhealth and 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.