Murder of Schoolmaster.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1876, 4 October 1906, Page 2

Murder of Schoolmaster.

SHOT WHILE IN BED.

PRESS ASSOCIATION

Oarnaru, last night. : The town was startled this afternoon by i the news that Mr W. H. Bennie, schools master at Fapakaio, had been murdered, and subsequent investigation leaves no doubt that the tragedy of murder had been oommitted. Mr Bennie lives about a mile away from bis oouotry school, a house that stands by itself a considerable distance away from any other dwelling. Toe girl who oomes ia the morning to at end to the house noticed something unusual in the place, and on going to the bedroom saw a foot uncovered ia the bed. She ran away, and called assistance, and then further assistance was oalled. The polioe were communicated with, and on going out they found that Bennie had been shot through the head, evidently whilst lying in bed. The bullet had passed from one side of the head to the other, and the hands were folded aotosß the breast with the bed olotlies above the hands, The house had the appearanoe of being ransacked, but there is no evidence that anjthiDg waß taken away. No weapon was found in the bouse, and the position of the body precludes the idea that it is a oasa of suioide. The bach door was found open, but it is possible it was not looked by Mr Rtnoie before retiring far the night. The police have been inyesiigating the matter, and is believed have a olue.

Toe whole affair is wrapped in myßtery. Mr Beanie was a retiring mao, and had been twelve years in ehargo of the echoa). His mother lives near Dunedin He was 37 years of age.