DEATH PACT.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1928, Page 1

DEATH PACT.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. By Telegraph—Per Press Association. AA’ELLINGTUN, Jan. 1(3. The gas tragedy at l.yall Bay in which Harold AVilson. aged 30. formerly resident of Tasman Street, thought to be a baker by occupation, and Tvy AA'alton, aged 17, formerly resident of Aliraniar. were the victims, occurred in a house which on Dee. 22nd. was furnished and rented for three weeks by the two deceased, who told the owner that they required it for an uncle ami aunt from Palmerston North. AA'ilson paid the rent in advance, paying an additional t • shillings per week on what the owner was asking. The deceased is stated to have been a well-spoken young man. smartly attired, and to have appeared to be in good circumstances, not. being short of ready money when lie paid the throe weeks’ rent in cash. The couple, however, did not take posession of the house until early in tlie New Year, and their tenancy expired on Thursday last. January 12th. On the morning of that day the following note was received by tlie owner through the post: “AA ill call and leave key at your office on Thursday ''Veiling. Sincerely—Rawlins. ' No key was left, and wanting to regain possession of the house on Saturday, the owner went around to the post office, where AA'ilson had previously stated that he worked, having employment on the night staff. Enquiries made of the postal officials, however, elicited the information that no one by tlie name of “Rawlins” was employed :r the AA'e.llington office. The owner first went out to Lvall Ray at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, but finding the bouse locked up. presumed that “Air and Airs Rawlins” were out for the afternoon. He returned at: six li.ni. and finding the liou.se still locked, forced the hack door. The bedroom door was also locked, and forcing this he discovered AA'ilson and Aliss AA'alton dead. A rubber tubing led from the gas stove in the kitchen to the Led 100(111. 'the gaspipe to the stove having been cut through and tho tube attached to this. There was tubing in tlie house but not sufficient to reach to the bedroom, and an extra length had apparently been secured from some source or other. The gas was still on when the discovery was,made.