SUDDEN DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 123, 26 May 1902, Page 5

SUDDEN DEATH.

A PHOTOGRAPHER DROPS DEAD.

A terribly sudden death occurred this morning at Wirths' Circus, Freeman's Bay, Mr J. Mann, a photographer, dropping dead, presumably from'heart disease. Mr Mann was taking a photograph of the tigers in their cages, outside the menagerie tent, at about half-past twelve. When he had finished he said, "That will do, gentlemen," to those who were in charg..., and, turning to go, he suddenly fell. Those present rushed to his assistance, but the unfortunate gentleman died almost immediately. Medical aid was quickly summoned, but all that could be done was to pronounce life to be extinct.

Mr Mann was a recent arrival in Auckland, haying come here at the time of the Duke of York's visit, and it is not yet known whether he was a single or a married man. He was staying at "Ennore," a boardinghoUse in Symonds-street.

His. work in the. illustrated papers is well-known, he having contributed to.the "Graphic" and other New Zealand journals during nis residence here. Since the circus has been here the novelty of the performances has attracted more than one photographer to get pictures. Last week a large series was taken by the representatives of the "Graphic," which appear in this week's issue. Those engagedin taking' the photos for tbe latter paper described- tb,e work as very exciting, and it is conjectured that Mr Mann's sudden death may have been due to the excitement of bis position.

The matter has been reported to the police, who are arranging for an inquest.