A NORTHERN TRAGEDY

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 133, 31 May 1932, Page 3

A NORTHERN TRAGEDY

OLD MAN FOUND DEAD A MAORI BOY ARRESTED (Per Press Association) WHANGAREI, Last Night, An old-age pensioner, George Crewe, aged 74, single, who had resided in a hut nt Ruatangata, twelve miles from Whangarei, for some years, was found dead in bod by a neighbour, Duncan McDiarmid, yesterday morning. When the blankets were pulled down it was found that the old man had been slain by blow’s on the top and side of his head, evidently with the back of an axe, which was found alongside the bed. There was also a deep wound above the eye.

The body was brought into the Whangarei morgue.

The police this morning arrested a quarter-cast Maori boy, Hetn Fred Gardner, who was brought be-’ore Mr Morris, S.M., and charged with murder and remanded to June 7.

The inquest was adjourned after evidence of identification had boon taken. Grown was born at How:ok and served his apprenticeship as a coach painter with Cousins and Atkins, of Auckland. About 40 years ago he came to Kamo with his parents. For many years ho had lived by himself in a small hut on pie Rautangata road. Of fine character, he was very independent and refused to enter the old men’s home although not robust, but this winter ho told his friends that a year ago ho had been persuaded to accept the old age pension. He lived very frugally and took pride in saving a little from his allowance.