THE WAIROA MURDERS

Evening Star, Issue 24281, 24 August 1942, Page 2

THE WAIROA MURDERS

SOME ASTONISHING FEATURES BODIES UNDISCOVERED FOR TEH DAYS (P.A.) WAIUOA, Aug. 23. A presumed double murder was discovered last night, when Brigadier Annie Smyth, aged 62, and her sister, Rosamond, aged 70, were found with their heads battered in, apparently with an iron poker. The clothing of both victims was disarranged, and there was a gag over Brigadier Smyth’s face. Difficult problems confront the police in their investigations of the tragedy. It is learned that they must have been assaulted not less than 10 days prior to the discovery of the bodies. This is a most remarkable feature of the case when it is understood that the lights had been burning in the kitchen throughout that time. The Salvation Army Hall, which is also used as the living quarters of the officers, is not more than 200yds from the main thoroughfare, and 50yds from a depot from which many passengers leave daily for Gisborne. The appearance of the light throughout the days did not bring any comments either from neighbours or even the business places situated opposite. Further, hundreds of school children passed the place daily, and yet no reference to the lights was made by anyone. Neither did the wardens who were on duty at night comment.

The hall is less than loft from tho footpath, and nothing in its outward appearance indicated that the interior possessed such a grim story as has now been revealed l . Tho building, which is situated in Queen street, lias resideuces, in close proximity on either side, and also at the back; yet no. person heard or saw anything to raise suspicions. It' is easy to understand why the local tradesmen were not concerned, for it was the practice of Brigadier Smyth to pay cash for all her purchases. There was, therefore, no reason to assume that everything was not well with their customer.

The local Salvation Army worshippers state that when they attended the txall last Sunday they found the place locked, and, being under the impression that the brigadier had gone to the country for a service there, they returned home, not the least concerned about the non-appearance of the officer in charge. The righf>hand side of the building ig used for the services, and on the left the living quarters are found, and it was in this portion that what was probably one of the most horrible crimes in New Zealand’s history Was disclosed. VICTIMS BATTERED. On Friday night Constable J. King, whilst on duty, was informed that something was wrong at .the hall, and, under the impression that his informant meant that a dispute of some description had arisen, ho visited It. On entering by a hack window, Constable King found the body of 'Annie Smyth, which was lying back in a Morris chair with her clothing disarranged. Across her mouth was a gag of tape and a portion of her apron, through which her teeth had bitten.

A doctor who was called pronounced life extinct. A little later, about 9 p.m,, Rosamond's body was discovered in the bedroom,. tho face being badly battered and the clothing disarranged. Annie Smyth’s appearance showed that she had been dealt a severe blow on the side of the head, causing a fracture of the skull, and death was probably instantaneous. The indications suggest that only one blow was struck, possibly with a weapon not yet discovered. whilst the poker that caused Rosamond’s death was found on tho floor. On a 'table in the kitchen, near Annie Smyth’s (body, was found a setting for one, consisting of a knife and fork, whilst' on the stove was a pot containing two cooked eggs. The fact that the water had all boiled away indicated that a fairly big fire had been burning, and adds to the belief that the crime was committed in the early hours of the evening, whilst a number of persons were within easy reach and able to give aid had any screams been hoard.

The fact of such a long period intervening between the death of the victims and the discovery of the bodies presents the police with a very difficult problem. The Commissioner of Police, Mr D. J. Cummings, arrived by plane yesterday morning, accompanied by police photographers, fingerprint experts, and all the available detective force,, under the charge of Chief-detec-tive J. B. Young, of Wellington. Dr P. P.- Lynch, Government pathologist, was also included in the party, as well as Commissioner Evan Smith, of the Salvation Army. Dr Lynch was engaged practically all , day yesterday carrying opt an examination, and it was not until late in the afternoon that the bodies were removed to the morgue. BRIGADIER’S CAREER.

Brigadier Smyth was probably one of the best-known women in the district, where she had been stationed for approximately two years. She and her sister were both born in Wellington. Brigadier Smyth was educated at the Wellington Girls’ College, and took an arts degree at the university in preparation for a teaching career. Instead, she undertook missionary work for the Salvation Army in Japan, where she went in 1906, becoming one of the best-known Christian missionaries in the country. She was on furlough when the war broke out, and returned to her station in Japan, where she had exciting experiences, being detained for several days for questioning by the authorities before being released. She then came to New Zealand, and was appointed to take charge of Wairoa.

While serving at Wairoa Brigadier Smyth was assisted by her sister, who until that time had spent all her life in Wellington. They have a sister in Wellington, Mrs W- J. Fraser, of Highland Park.

An inquest was opened this morning, and after evidence had been given _by Mr C. C. Smyth, manager of the Union Bank at Pahiatua, a brother of the deceased, it was adjourned. Tito funeral will ho held at Wellington.

LAST SEEN AUGUST 10

FOR WHOM WAS MEAL PREPARED 7

(P.A.Y WAIROA, Aug. 24. It has now been established that Brigadier Smyth was last seen on August 10, when sho was noticed by a neighbour hanging washing on the clothesline. In addition to the table being set for one,’ there were also discovered on tho kitchen table articles for sewing, but no sign of the work being completed. Possibly one of the victims noticed that the person for whom tho meal was being prepared rerpiired some to wearing apparel, and intended doing

this, -but was attacked before commencing the work. Inquiries regarding non-collection of mail disclosed that when the postal clerk saw that the gap at the door was jammed by papers left earlier, use was made of the open window to drop correspondence -through it, it being believed that the Smyths had left Wairoa for a holiday or for other purpose. The police are here in full force, and were busily engaged through the night and again this morning, making further inquiries; but up to a late hour had nothing further to release for the Press. . At the various churches yesterday, reference was made to the tragic happening, sympathy being extended to the relatives and the Army as a whole; whilst last evening.a memorial service was conducted by the Rev. Air King in tbo Presbyterian Church. The largo congregation included many Salvation Army members.