Charred Body Found in Burnt Dunedin Car

Grey River Argus, 27 March 1948, Page 2

Charred Body Found in Burnt Dunedin Car

DUNEDIN, March 25 A body discovered last night in the burnt-out remains of a motor-car on the lower Portobello Road, about 15 miles from Dunedin, was believed this morning to be that of Robert James White, aged 20. a clerk employed by the City Transport Department. The body, charred beyond recognition, was in the back seat. The car was discovered by a passing motorist, Mr A. A. Cameron, of Birchfield avenue, Dunedin, about 8.30 p.m. It was blazing furiously with the bonnet facing into the bank. It was impossible to approach the car closely. It was thought by the police this morning that the car had skidded into the bank and that, after Mr White had attempted to get it back on to the road without success he had climbed into the rear seat and lit a cigarette. He was in the habit of carrying extra petrol in the rear of the car, it was stated and a petrol tin and a broken earthenware jar were discovered to-day. A jack was found under the front wheel.

Mr White was known to have driven a friend to the district last evening and was reported to have left on his return journey to the city about 6 p.m.