MAN FOUND SHOT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 August 1940, Page 2

MAN FOUND SHOT

DEPRESSED BY DEATH GF FIANCEE. (By Telegraph-—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 20. A letter intimating his intention of committing suicide because of the recent death of his fiancee was produced at an inquest before Mr F. K. Hunt, coroner, into the death of a young man whose body with a bullet wound in the head was found near the top of Mount Hobson on Monday night. Deceased was identified as Alban Arthur Custance, labourer, single, aged 28, Victor Midgley said he shared a flat with Custance in Grafton. Custance was alone when witness left the flat on Monday evening, and though he was in good health, he had been very depressed since the death of his fiancee. Fay Alexander, on July 26. “He was no more depressed than had been usual since her death when I left the flat,” witness continued. “He never stated his intention of committing suicide, and I had no reason to believe that was his intention. As far as I know he did not possess a firearm. When I returned home I found a letter from Custance signifying his intention of committing suicide and advising that his body would be found on the top of Mount Hobson.”

Witness added that Custance was a Canadian and a graduate of St John’s College, Winnipeg. He believed his only living relative was a sister living in Canada. The inquest was adjourned.