DR TOZER’S DEATH

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1920, Page 3

DR TOZER’S DEATH

j THE LINDFIELD TRAGEDY. AVOMAN’S CONDITION IMPROVED. Latest Sydney files to hand contain some further details of the death of Dr. C. J. Tozer, the well-known cricketer,' and the wounding of Mrs H. S. I Mort, the wife of Mr H. S. Mort, at [Owen street, T.indfield, on Tuesday of last week. In a report submitted by the police to the coroner, it is stated that Dr Tozer was found dead at Mr Mort’s residence with a bullet wound in the right temple and one in the chest. Mrs Mort was wounded and also poisoned. “It appears,” the report continues, “that Dr Tozer paid an allegedly professional visit to Mrs Mort, and was closeted with her in the 1 drawing-room-for a lengthy period. . . When the police arrived, deceased was found in a sitting posture on the edge of a couch. A Coif’s automatic pistol was found lying on top of his right hand. Three ejected, cartridge shells we're picked up in the room, and at least two live cartridges were observed ; n the magazine. Two holes, apparently from bullets, were in the back of the couch, and one in the wall at the end of the couch. A laudanum 'bottle was ■' rind in the drawing-room. i

| LADY COMPANION’S STORY. I PUSHED HER WAY IN. Frances Frazer, who was in the house at tho time of the fatality, and .'feted as a lady companion to Mrs Mort was interviewed. "When Dr Tioizejr ,qal£od Iqt the, house,” said Miss Frazer, “I admitted him to Mrs Mort’s room, and then went to another part of the house. Soon afterwards, I heard what appeared to be shots, and I immediately went to the . door of the drawing-room adjoining Mrs Mort’s room. The door was locked, and I called out, ‘Whatever is the matter?” Mrs Mort said that everything was all right and told me not to enter. I went to a neighbour’s place to ’phone a doctor, but the telephone was out of order. On returning to the door, Mrs Mort said that nothing was wrong. About 7 p.m., Mrs Mort asked me for some iced water. I took it to her, when she half-opened the door and I pushed my way in. Mrs Mort was in a state of collapse and covered with blood. Some friends who had come to the house then communicated with the police.” "NOT A MYSTERY. So far, the polieo will not make a definite statement as to the facts that led to Tuesday’s tragedy. They do say, however, that the shooting is not a mystery, and that correspondence between Dr Tozer and Mrs Mort which they found throws much light on the case and greatly assists them in'their investigations. They further state that the caso is one which necessitates the covering of a vast amount of ground Mr Mort has made a statement to the police, but his w-ife, who last night was slightly improved, though still in a serious condition is not yet in a position to be interviewed by anyone. ' A BRILLIANT ATHLETE. Dr Tozer was 30 years of age, and a few years back he graduated M. 8., Ch. M., at tho Sydney University. His sporting career there was brilliant, for lie, played successfully both tennis and cricket, gaining his blue for cricket. Dr Tozer enlisted, and after being wounded returned home. He again entered into sport, and earned for himself tho distinction of being one of the soundest batsmen in the State. Ho was selected as twolfth man in the New South Wales team to play against the English team. Mr H. Sutcliffe Mort, the husband of the wounded woman is a surveyor in the Railway and Tramway Department.