25 YEARS A RECLUSE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4554, 23 April 1923, Page 4

25 YEARS A RECLUSE.

STARVING HERSELF TO HELP CHARITIES. The story of the seclusion of a wealthy single woman, aged 86, in a large three-storied house, where she lived for years almost on the verge of starvation in order to help charities, has been revealed by the death of Miss Mary Planner, of Cleveland-road, Brighton. She was found dead on the kitchen floor, where she had apparently lain for several days. So far as is known Miss Planner had no relatives. Her only acquaintances were the Rev. George Thompson, a retired, elderly clergyman, and his wife and daughter, of Stamford-road. Mr. Thompson is the sole executor of her will. “ Miss Planner was a very good woman,” said Mrs. Thompson to a reporter, ” and went out of her way to help charities. About the .past she never spoke. She had lived alone for about 25 years. She was very well-off, but constantly denied herself ordinary necessities in order to give practically all her income to charities. “At times she almost starved herself. She was much devoted to missionary societies, homes for children, aud similar institutions, to which she has left all her property, amounting to several thousands of pounds. She was fervently religious. We had not seen her since Christmas, as she would allow no visitors.