KNOWN IN SOUTH

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12622, 6 December 1926, Page 8

KNOWN IN SOUTH

BOY HELD FOR MURDER A Press Association message from Dunedin states tliat tlie Joim DonaJd ruerrett, charged with murder m .London was weh Known in Dunedin and Oamaru. The accused came to the nonunion with lus mother during the war, and resided lor somo time at Oamaru, where he attended the WaitaKi High School. previous to entering tne school he had a serious tail from a bicycle, and as a result was m hospital with injuries to his head and nose. This prevented him irom participating in most sports, although he was an excellent swimmer. He was extremely popular amongst his classmates. The mother ana son booked passage to England through a Dunedin nrm eighteen months ago. The mother was in the 'habit ot carrying a revolver, while her son was particularly venturesome. On olio occasion he created a mild sensation by a foolhardy expedition in a motor-boat. A Dress Association message from Hastings says that the statement that Mrs Merrett and her son came from a New Zealand station is erroneous. Some six years ago Mrs Merrett came to New Zealand from Russia, where her husband was employed. She separeted from him and took up residence in Havelock North. Later she went to live at Ooraaru, sending her son to the Waitaki Boys’ High School. They later went to Jlngland, and, as stated in the cablegram, he entered Edinburgh University to complete his education for the Diplomatic Service. While resident in Hawke’s Bay, Mrs Merrett made many friends with whom she enjoyed great popularity, it is understood that she was the inventor and patentee of the fireless cooker.