FAMILY TRAGEDY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 January 1943, Page 2

FAMILY TRAGEDY

TE ORE ORE RESIDENT’S DEATH PARENTS FOUND INJURED. BOTH TAKEN TO HOSPITAL. Police and medical assistance were required following tragic events which took place on a farm on the Te Ore Ore Road, Masterton, last night. When Dr. John Rich and Constable F. Diggle arrived, they found Peter Emerson, aged 41 years, married, with one child, dead from shocking injuries believed to have been self-inflicted, and his parents, Mr and Mrs Henry Emerson, both 69 years of age, with head lacerations, and neck and facial injuries, respectively. Both were suffering from shock. It is understood that Emerson attacked his parents with an axe. Mi’ and Mrs Emerson were later admitted to the Masterton Hospital, and it was learnt on inquiry this morning that their condition was fairly satisfactory. An inquest concerning the death of Peter Emerson was opened in the Masterton Court this morning, beiore Mr L. J. Taylor, District Coroner. After evidence of identification had been given by Mr F. E. Hunt, the inquest was adjourned sine die. In his evidence, witness said Emerson had suffered head injuries three months ago, and he believed the injuries on that occasion were self-inflicted.