INQUESTS OPENED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9203, 30 April 1920, Page 4

INQUESTS OPENED.

An inquost to investigate the deaths-, of Frank Campbell, and Hay Smith, who diod as a result of the motor accident on Wakanui Road, on Thursday, was held at the County Hospital this, afternoon, the District Coroner (Mr James Cow) presiding. The inquest, in respect to Frank Campbell was taken first. Charles Valentine, brother-in-law of deceased, said deceased was 37 years of age and a stock agent for the Loan* and Mercantile Agency. Witness last saw deceased alive on Wednesday night and; knew nothing of his movements yesterday. He recognised the body in the morgue as that of his brother-in-law.

The inquest* was. then adjourned until 'May 4, at 2 p.m. The inquest in respect to the death of Hay Smith was then taken.

Margaret Smith, wife of Hay Smith, said her late husband was 53 years of age, and he was a sheep dealer and agent for Armour and Co. In the course of his business he generally used! a motor-car and was considered a careful driver. Deceased was out in the morning at Wheatstone and took delivery of lambs there for the freezing works. He arrived homo about 1.30 p.m. and after a cup of tea and attending to some business, he went, ' about 2.30 p.m., towards Ashburton. Later witness heard there had been an: accident and later that Campbell had been in the accident. Witness rang up Campbell's' and received the informa- ■' tion that both her husband and Campbell were dead.

The inquest was adjourned similarly to May 4.