SHOT IN HEAD
YOUNG MAN FOUND DEAD
(P.A.) DUNEDIN, December 7.
A young man named Allan John Crabbe was found dead at 2 o’clock on Saturday morning at his home at Bannockburn, four miles from Cromwell. Crabbe, who was 18 years old, was found lying on the floor of a garage at his home with a .22 calibre rifle between his knees. There was a bullet wound in his head. -Ashburton Guardian, 8/12/1947.
CORONER'S INQUEST
An inquest was hold by the district coroner, Mr D. H. Denniston, concerning the death of Allan John Crabbe, of Bannockburn on December 5th.
John Begg Crabbe, tanner, father of deceased stated that his son was employed part time on the farm and other casual work on the water race and neighbouring farms. He was a healthy lad, living a normal life. On Dec. 5th, Allan John Crabbe worked on the farm whilst he rose at 6 a.m. and left home to work on the water race, returning at 10 p.m. that night. He was informed by his wife that the son was not at home, but concluded he had gone out visiting. He then went to bed and was wakened by his wife who told him the son had not returned. Dressing, he went to the car shed, intending to go and look for him. The car shed door was partly open, and going inside, made his way to start the car when he discovered the body of his son. Thinking he was asleep, he shook him, taking hold of his coat and discovered that he was dead.
He then went with his daughter to a neighbour, thence to the Cromwell Police Station. His son was of a happy disposition and had not complained of ill-health or lack of sleep. There had been differences of opinion over the water race but these did not appear to have affectted him. He was an industrious lad and had no financial worries.
Mr J. C. Parcell, appearing for the relatives asked questions regarding the car shed, and witness stated it was also used for storing of farm gear. The space between the car and wall was restricted. The deceased was experienced with rifles.
Edith Elsie Lillian Crabbe, age 16 years stated that her brother was quite normal doing his work as usual about the farm. After his evening meal he went out and she did not see him again. He frequently went shooting or irrigating before retiring. She did not know what his intentions were that evening. After hay-making for a neighbour the day before, he had said there had been a row over water, and when asked about it said something about a stone in Ritchie’s box. She thought he said that Ritchie’s would be getting extra water. He told his sister he had not slept for three nights.
Mabel Annie Crabbe, mother of deceased outlined her husband’s activities on the day of December 5th. He did not return until 10 p.m. Her son was 18 years of age and worked on the farm. His manner was quite normal. During the afternoon she had asked him if he was tired, when he replied that his legs were sore. He did not go for a rest, although she suggested it. After assistance with the evening milking he had his tea, leaving the house between 6 and 6.30 p.m., without saying anything. When he did not return at dark she concluded he had gone visiting. Deceased was not likely to pay any undue attention to minor troubles.
Henry Vincent Parcell also gave evidence that deceased was a bright intelligent lad. He was a member of the local Rifle Club and a good shot.
Steven Henry Rusbatch, police constable, in his evidence, stated he had been called to the scene by John Begg Crabbe about 2 a.m. on the 6th December when he found the body of deceased lying on the floor of the car shed with a bullet wound in the forehead in a position consistent with the father’s statement. He was dead. The firearm had been examined by experts and though old the firing mechanism was in good order.
Summing up, the Coroner found that deceased was killed by a rifle bullet discharged through his own action at Bannockburn on December 5th, 1947, whether by accident or intent, there being not sufficient evidence to disclose. Cromwell Argus, 20/1/1948.
Cromwell Cemetery.
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