HIMSTANGI FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1929, Page 6

HIMSTANGI FIRE

\ FURTHER WITNESSES. (By Telegraph—Press Association). FOXTON, October 15. At the Himitangi inquest, Doctor King, continuing, stated that, at first sight, the bod its were not discernible, but, from loose bones associated in Wright’s bedroom, were isolated five adult vertebrae and the extreme end of a spine, which established beyond doubt, a further adult, making eight victims. All of the bones discovered and examined were those of recently living persons. Dr E. AI. Wylie gave evidence of his inspection of the remains as at first discovered, when only three adults and two children were discerned. Further investigation disclosed the body of a third child, found with the other two. He also corroborated the evidence and technical details given by Doctor King. Westlake had been undoubtedly clothed at the time of the tragedy. Detective Russell submitted a plan of the building. ELEVEN CARTRIDGES FIRED. After the bearing of lengthy medical evidence re the identification of the eight bodies, Detective H. H. Russell detailed the exanfination of the ruins, and the location and removal of remains. He discovered a double barrelled shot gun in Westlake's bedroom. He Had attended the post mortem and he corroborated the medical evidence as to their being no trace of poison discovered. Twelve shot cartridges were discovered, eleven of which had been fired by percussion. The locks of the doors were unlocked. Full enquiries in the locality had failed to locate any strangers in the neighbourhood. No poison had been supplied to the' occupants from retailers or farmers.

Witness said it had been ascertained that Westlake’s financial position was very sound, and bis affairs were conducted methodically and in a business like manner. Wright uas share milking on a 40-60 basis, and he was employed for two months, but no cream cheque had been paid out. The Dairy Farmers’ Union held a bill of sale for £SOO on Wright's stock and implements. Prior to joining Westlake, Wright had been financially embarrassed. Thomson, the other adult male victim, was an employee of Wright. He had neither assets nor liabilities.

In reply to Petersen, Witness said no cartridges were in the breach of the gun when it was found. He could not say whose skull it was with the hole in it.

Alaurice Ladogan, a schoolboy, living nearby, stated he saw Thomson driving a farm cart towards W estlake’s homestead at 11 a.m. on the day of the tragedy. Harry Coles, Police Arms Officer, identified the shot gun as belonging to. and registered by, Wright. William Hooker gave evidence as to tlie hour of the fire, about 11.30 p.m. on September 6th. William Hines, neighbouring farmer about a mile and a half from Westlake’s stated he took charge of tho farm after the fire, and used an axe to cut up a dead calf to feed Westlake’s-pigs, which axe was subsequently found by Robinson. Gertrude Alorey King, a neighbour who was on intimate terms with Mrs Wright, said that the occupants of the house were on good terms. Wright was particularly fond of bis children. She had never lieaid anything to load her to believe that Wright did not get on well with all the inmates’. A stranger could easily locate the homestead.

Kauri Patea, a shepherd, on an adjoining estate, detailed the discovery of the smouldering ruins the morning after the tragedy, when he acquainted the police. John Symon, blacksmith, said he had business dealings with Westlake on the afternoon preceding the mo and he appeared in good health. Constable Omen detailed an inspection of the ruins and the recovery of the bodies The inquest was adjourned till tomorrow, when thirteen witnesses' will give evidence.