FERE MYSTERY

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21582, 19 November 1941, Page 4

FERE MYSTERY

YOUNG WOMAN’S DEATH COTTAGE DESTROYED HUSBAND IN HOSPITAL TRAGEDY IN COUNTRY (By Telegraph.—rre?s Association) GORE, Wednesday A distressing tragedy involving the death of a young married woman in mysterious circumstances and injuries to her husband occurred at Moa Flat, near Heriot, in the early hours of this morning. The victim of the tragedy was:— Mrs Mary Flaxman, aged 25, with one chiid aged 15 months. Her husband, Mr Charles Henry Flaxman, farm labourer, has been admitted to the Tapanui Hospital and is under police protection. Details of the tragedy are very meagre. Mr and Mrs Flaxman were living in a cottage on the property of Mr A. J. Hodgkin, Moa Flat, and information received indicates that about 1.30 o’clock this morning the neighbours were aroused by a fire in the building. Steps were immediately taken to extricate the three persons from the burning building. Dead When Brought Out

It is understood that Mrs Flaxman was dead when taken from the cottage. Mr Flaxman and the baby girl were brought to safety and steps were taken to convey Mr Flaxman to the Tapanui Hospital. Dr. R. G. Stokes, of Gore, was summoned and gave medical attention to the injured man. It is understood his injuries are not serious and that the child is not injured in any way. The cottage was totally destroyed by fire.

Constable W. Coatsworth, of Tapanui, was on the scene soon after the tragedy and it is understood that detectives have been despatched from Dunedin to assist the local police in the investigations. Head Injuries Believed

The nature of Mrs Flaxman’s injuries are not disclosed but information received suggests that her head had been battered. Mr Flaxman, who was rescued from the cottage by Mr G. M. Love, of Moa Flat, has been a resident of Moa Flat for about five years and was married at Christchurch about three years ago, since when he has been working for Mr Hodgkin. Mrs Flaxman had lived in the district for some years before her marriage.