SAD ENDING OF A REMARKABLE CAREER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 25 March 1907, Page 4

SAD ENDING OF A REMARKABLE CAREER.

Walter Marsh, an ex-soldier, who murdered his wife at Chesterfield oil July 9," was executed in January at Derby gaol. Marsh was 38 years of ago, and had served in the Army with credit for 17 years. His career was in many ways re•markablc. In December, 1886, Marsh enlisted in the North Staffordshire Regiment. Striving hard to make himself efficient, lie v was five years later a sergeant. His regiment was sent to India, and there he saw

service for seven years. Later he fought at Omdurman, and was given the silver medal and Khedive's star. He seemed to I bear a charmed life in battle. Coming home after the Nile campaign, he married Eliza Gascoyne, a girl of 19, at Chesterfield, in November, 1901. A i month later he was ordered to South Africa* He took part in many engagements during the Boer war, and earned the Queen's medal with several clasps. He came home in August, 1903, and left, the army with a 17 years' good conduct certificate. It was while serving with the Staflords in India, that Marsh had charge of the regimental canteen, and wa3 entrusted with the catering. Here, with thrift and industry, he saved a very considerable fortune. But soon he lost £2OOO hy the failure of a bank in India. He saved another competence, and had a handsome sum at his banker's when he left the service. With this he and his wife took a publichouse in Sheffield; tut the business did not prosper, and 12 months ago they went to live at Chesterfield. Marsh began to behave cruelly to his wife, and she endeavored to obtain a separation order. Last summer she yielded to his entreaties to return to him. He then became violently jealous, which ended in him committing murder.