Had Unusual Musical Ability In Early Years

Chronicle (Levin), 21 July 1949, Page 7

Had Unusual Musical Ability In Early Years

• (N.Z.P.A.-

—Reuier

Coauiriffht)

Received Wednesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, July 20. Psyehologists and criminologists who study the rare book of John George Haigh, will follow the story of the qufpt voiced cultured Yorkshireman who, 30 years' ago, sang in the choir of the Cathedral in the ' town of Wakefield. Students of the case will ponder, too, on the strange tale of the boy who dreamed, Early in life Haigh had unusual musical ability. He won a choral scholarship and became a good pianist with an excellent memory and passion for clasieal music. At 21 Haigh xnovtjd with his parents to Leeds where he went into business, running an electric news sign on the dome of a movie theatre. Later he ran a car hirepurchase agency. He faked hirepurchase agreements on which he-got commissions and as a result in 1934 was gaoled for 15 months at Leeds Assizes. After Haigh turned 25 ;Jie. married a 21-year-old Stoekport girl. It is 12 1 years sinee she last wrote to her family but the police know she is alive and well. Having finished his gaol sentence, Haigh became assistant manager of a cleaning firm and later at undervvriter. Later still, in an office in the best part of Guildford, he started up as a solicitor, offering for sale at barg&in prices,. shares he did not posseus. Cheques worth £3000 rolled in but Haigh was caught when he had caslied only three worth £240. He had mis- ! spelt "Buildford" and this error led to 'four years in prison. It was last February that Haigh 's activities again interested the police I for it was in that month that Mrs. I Durand-Deacon disappearad. A few days later at Chelsea police station, Haigh made the statement that was to horrify the world. Briefly and concisely he told the story of how nine people had vanished — nine people he claimed to have slain.

' The Daily Express says not once sinee the arrest of his son, has the 80-year-old father of Haigh menti'oned the name of his son to neighbours in Leeds. He and his grey-haired 75-year-old wife, have been living almost like recluses. Mrs. Haigh has not moved from her liome for four months. it is in a semi-detaelied three-bedroom-ed home that they heard last night that their son had been sentenced to death for murder.