NO CLUE FOUND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20442, 12 June 1936, Page 8

NO CLUE FOUND

THE WAIHOU TRAGEDY SHOT FIRED AT CLOSE RANGE By Telegraph—Press Association WHANGAREI, June 11. So far the police have no clue to the murderer of Ernest Severin Nelson. Many avenues Have been investigated and statements obtained from farm employees and Maoris living at the native settlement at Rangiahua about five miles away, but no enlightenment has resulted. It was discovered to-day that Nelson bought a shotgun at Kaikohe on May 27, but the weapon was not taken to Nelson’s home being left with friends some distance up the valley. An examination of the body shows that the gunshot entered the back at th- left side and travelled upwards, piercing the heart and lungs and penetrated to the second rib on the right hand side.

It hc~ been proved beyond doubt that the shot which killed Nelson was fired at point blank range. There is a small depression in the ground, with a briar bush a few yards from where the body was found, and it is assumed that the assailant was in hiding as the victim passed. Two portions of a shotgun cartridge wads were found.

The discovery of the body was made by Mrs Smith, mother of Mrs Nelson, who, with her husband had come to Nelson’s to have confirmed a verbal agreement that they might have the use of a car to go to Rawene next day. Mr Smith remained in the vel-'le at the gate, while Mrs Smith went to the house to see Nelson. She had only walked a short distance up the drive when she came on the body. There was a cigarette butt on the ground, and the evening’s mail was clutched in Nc’-.on’s hand.

Mrs Nelson was visiting friends at the time, but was brought home after the discovery of the tragedyr. Detective H. C. Murch, who has just returned to New Zealand from Scotland Yard has joined the force investigating the Waihou murder. Two guns have been taken possession of by the police, but the absence of the cartridge case is a hampering feature. The paspalum and under growth in the vicinity will be searched in due course.