SPECIAL NOTICE.

New Zealand Police Gazette, Volume LVI, Issue 44, 4 November 1931, Page 659

SPECIAL NOTICE.

Murder and Theft. Auckland. At about 5.10 p.m. on the 30th ultimo, ARTHUR JAMES BLOMFIELI), chemist, was found murdered in the back room of a chemist’s shop at 7 Wellesley Street East, having been struck sixteen times on the head with some instrument. The sum of about £6 was stolen from the till, and the following were also stolen from the person of deceased : A gentlemen’s white-metal open-face keyless watch, with steel dial, new appearance, cost about 10s. 6d.; a rolled-gold curb-pattern watch-chain, about 12 in. long, clasp on each end, attached to which is a small round silver sovereign-case, knob-press fastener, “ A.J.8.” engraved on outside of case. Investigations have revealed that a customer entered the shop at about 5.5 p.m. and rang a bell on, the counter, after which a young man came from the back of the shop, addressed the customer, saying, “He won’t be long,” and then left the shop. The customer waited until 5.10 p.m., when Mr. Wheeler, assistant in the shop, returned, who on entering the back room found Mr. Blomfield unconscious. The description of the Man seen leaving the shop is given as follows : Age twenty to twenty-five, about 5 ft. 8 in. in height, slight build, thin features, seemed to have dark hair (but this is not definite), sallow to pale complexion ; dressed in a dark suit and fawnish-brown felt hat. Identification doubtful. All pawnbrokers and dealers are to be notified and supplied with a description of the missing watch, chain, and sovereign-case, and every effort is to be made to obtain information calculated to afford a clue to the identity of the offender. Later information has been received to the effect that the following is a description of a Man (name unknown), who bought a packet of fish and chips, which was found in the room with deceased : Age about twenty to twenty-three, height about 5 ft. 9 in., slight build, fresh complexion, dark or brown eyes, dark uneven hair, which is wavy but not curly, small face ; wearing a navy-blue coat and vest, and supposed brown trousers (no hat); quiet voice with coloniathccena. . / ' /