RECLUSE'S HIDDEN WEALTH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 116, 19 May 1933, Page 5

RECLUSE'S HIDDEN WEALTH

BANK BOOKS AMONG LITTER TOTAL SUM OF £l5OO. After nearly a month's search (• some sheds at Darlington, County Dur* ham. 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. Air. 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 Air. Cuthbertson had not destroyed a single communication which he had received in the last 26 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 progicss the flooring of one of the sheds gave way, and in a hole which had been dug in the ground were a ntimber of tin boxes containing documents. Air. Cuthbertson left a will, which has been found in order. Ho left his property first to an elder brother, Air. Nathan Cuthbertson, in Australia, and then for distribution among nephews in England.