HIMITANGI TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1929, Page 5

HIMITANGI TRAGEDY

, SENSATIONAL SUGGESTIONS.

STRANGE FEATURES INTRODUCED.

POLICE BUSILY ENQUIRING, flly Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

PALMERSTON N., Sept. 13

Developments of a sensational nature apparently followed the investigations conducted into some strange features associated with the dreadful fire tragedy at Himitangi, according to an official pronouncement made to a “Standard” representative .when the police were approached concerning inquiries being instituted into the mysterious affair.

“We have definitely come to the conclusion that there was some happening besides the fire,” stated the police, in indicating the trend of numerous investigations at present in hand and Ijeing continued. “The facts of the fire itself are generally known,” they said, “and we are in a position to confirm the suspicion that there was some serious happening apart from the actual fire.”

Close investigations being pursued would, stated the police, extend over a number of days, and the inquest will be resumed as soon as possible. It is a matter which concerns the public.

It was added that the intiiliation was being given that no /effort would be relaxed, to shed further light on the terrible tragedy. , We have a suspicion that there was a further serious element of tragedy in this case in addition to the actual fire itself, added the police. .

Our investigations are on the line of proving whether what*: apparently' happened in the house, was the result of an occurrence which too.c place inside or outside. They ,said that if., the former were the case, then the secret perished with the fire. That the inquiries in hand were protracted, was indicated by the police, who stated the elimination of evidence that was being gathered to'trace and confirm the movements of all persons likely to have been in the locality about the time the tragedy occurred. Yesterday .about twenty persons were seen by the detectives in charge of the affair.. ‘ 1 . - ,

A very large number of personal interviews are being made, i •■;.<*, Owing, to the difficult nature of the country, .to. be traversed,' and the sparse population, extensive travelling has been necessary in connection with the exhaustive inquiries conducted. “Are there any indications to show that the fire was purely an accident?” the police were.aßked,'but they, refused to discuss that aspect., v. . V.*

“Has anything been found which is likely, to throw further light on tqe tragedy ?” asked .. .trieV ‘‘Stahd.rij l d > ',' representative. hut the police were noncommittal and declined to discuss it lurther. ,

The most • serious feature of t the mysterious occurrence, the, statejpqnt that a little leqd was fqupd in a rouqd hole in, the base of one of .the skulls discovered in the room-.occupied by the Wrights, was confirmed, by tjie police, who said it could be attributed to tfie skull being struck by. something falling in the. fire after deatli^or;the. molten lead dropping down from/the roof..