HEAVY INSURANCES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 19 April 1939, Page 8

HEAVY INSURANCES

GORDON McKAY’S POLICIES

OFFICER IDENTIFIES ACCUSED Dr. Edgar Francis Fowler, pathologist, of Auckland, corroborated Dr. Gilmour's evidence. He made an examination of the exhibits produced in Court with Dr. Gilmour and lie agreed with the conclusions of Dr. Giimour. John Hindmarsh, insurance officer, of Sydney, who was the next witness, said he was assistant general secretary to the Mutual Life and Citizens’ Insurance Company with offices in Sydney. Mr Terry: Would Your Worship note that I take objection to this evidence. His Worship assented. A similar objection made by Mr Sanderson for McKay was also noted. Witness said on September 15, 1938, he received a proposal •'from McKay, who was brought to his office by Mr Gotland, the general secretary. Witness identified McKay as the accused McKay in the dock. After a conversation with McKay witness filled in a proposal form. McKay supplying particulars and signing .it in witness’ presence. Witness identified the proposal mentioned, which was produced in Court. £25,500 Policy Issued The form was for whole life insurance for £2 5,500 on the life of Gordon Robert McKay, of 15 Selbourne Road, Burwood. The particulars in the form showed that McKay was previously insured for £SOO with the M.L.C. Insurance Company and £4OOO with the A.M.P. and £IO,OOO with the Australasian Mutual Life Insurance Society. On September 19 last year a life assurance policy number 62358 for £25,500 was issued to accused McKay by witness company, and this policy would still be in force on February 12 last. His company had received notification of the death of the person assured about February 16 from Dudley Westgarth and Company, solicitors, of Sydney. That notification stated that death occurred at Auckland.

Mr Terry: Have you not a copy of the notification?—No. It was just a formal notice.

ACCUSED IN SYDNEY

IN BUSINESS TOGETHER Detective-Sergeant William Lindsay Cresswell Alford, of Newcastle, then entered the box and said -the two accused were well known to him. -McKay had resided and Talbot with him, at Selbourne Street Burwood, for many years. They were living there prior to leaving for New Zealand on February 3 last and they had been engaged together in various occupations for many years. Witness knew of an association -between Frank Ingram Jones and McKay. They had been associated for several years and were partners in a Sydney company known as the Industrial Supply Company. Jones was an analythical chemist. Wilness identified a declaration produced by him as signed by McKay. He was familiar with McKay's handwriting. Detective-Sergeant Trethewey stated that he interviewed Talbot on February 17 regarding McKay's death. Talbot made a statement which was produced. In the statement Talbot said he knew McKay first in Mudgee, where McKay had a wool and skin business. In 1927 lie began to work for McKay in Sydney. McKay's business had branches all over the country. lie was storeman for McKay from 1926 to December. 1936, and during that time lie lived with McKay at Burwood. Arrival In Dominion At the end of 1936 McKay discontinued his exporting business and Talbot did not work any longer for hjm. He continued to live with McKay, however, and except for one trip to London with McKay he had lived with him at his house in Burwood until lie left for New Zealand. The statement dealt at length with McKay’s family and with business carried out when they went to London in 1938. McKay said on the way back from that trip that he would like to start a chain stores grocery business in New Zealand. They came to New Zealand together on the Mariposa, McKay leaving Sydney with about £2OO in Australian notes and holding about £IOO belonging to Talbot. Talbot brought a .22 rifle with him which he registered at Auckland. On coming to-Auckland, McKay phoned to Francis Ingram Jones, whom they knew in Sydney and they later interviewed him. Between February 6 and 11 McKay was trying to get a suitable business. He was greatly interested in the waste tins and old metal business.

He was on the lookout for a store to hold these articles. The statement also detailed the trouble McKay had with his teeth, the extraction carried out. in Auckland and the arrangements in connection with 4he Piha bach. In his statement Talbot said lie returned to Auckland on February 11 to meet a young woman named Madge, whom he had previously met in Auckland. She did not turn up, however, as arranged and he later drove back to Piha. Talbot’s Version of Firs The statement then described the events of the evening at the bach before Talbot went to bed. He made tea, gave a cup to McKay and then went to bed, leaving everything in order. lie was awakened by the smell of burning and smoke. He could only see fire in McKay’s room, however, and was driven back from it by the flames. He rushed to look for a bucket but could not find one and then hurried off calling for help. Regarding the rental car. Talbot’s statement was that they only used it on two occasions, driving twice to the bach. All his own money was burned in the fire and lie had to wire to Sydney for more. "I know that McKay was insured,” ! his statement added. "I think ho was I insured for a total of £40,000. I know ! one insurance was taken out just be 1 fore he went to London. McKay wore a signet ring with his initials on it. He : always wore a rim?. He was a cheer- 1 ful man with no real worry as far as * I know and I am satisfied he would not j commit suicide.”

(Continued in Stop Press column;