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Charles Mackay

Charles Mackay, a lawyer and former mayor of Whanganui, who was imprisoned in 1920 after shooting Walter D'Arcy Cresswell who had threatened to expose him as a homosexual. 

Charles Mackay in prison after shooting Walter D’Arcy Cresswell, who had threatened to expose him as a homosexual. Ref: J 1 W2636 1920-31121. Archives NZ

Charles Mackay’s blackmailer, Walter D'Arcy Cresswell (1896-1960), in 1921. Ref: PAColl-5543-05. Alexander Turnbull Library

Charles Mackay (front, third from right), PM William Massey (front, centre) and members of the Wanganui Cosmopolitan Club in 1919. Ref: G-16931-1/1. Alexander Turnbull Library

The story as it was headlined in the Truth newspaper on June 5, 1920.

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