A FATAL FALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 137, 9 June 1917, Page 6

A FATAL FALL.

DEATH AT THE HOSPITAL. BODY NOT IDENTIFIED. An inquest regarding the death of George Shepherd, who died at the Auckland Hospital on Thursday last, was held by Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M, yesterday afternoon. Evidence was given by Mrs. S. J. ao\ - man that ou Saturday evening last deceased came to her house and asked for a bed for two nights. Witness told him she was full up, and took him to a Mrs. West's place in Nelson Street, where he engaged a room. She did not ask him his name. Later the same night deceased came into her shop and stated that he had lost his way, and did not know where the house was. Witness took him along the road and directed him. Some time later Mrs. West came along and told witness that deceased had fallen downstairs, and that he was then in bed asleep. On Sunday morning Mrs. West told witness that deceased was still ill, and that he kept falling out of bed. Witness went over to the house later and put his bed on the floor. At that time deceased was making a sign as if he wanted to write, and witness gave him a pencil, but he was unable to use it. He kept muttering, as if he wanted to speak, but witness only heard him ask for beer. When witness moved the bed ou to the floor she found a bottle of whisky ut the head of the bed. She thought that deceased must be in the horrors.

Mrs. West, on being called, stated that she went out shopping, and on returning to the house about half an hour later, she found deceased lying on his back at the foot of the stairs. He was conscious, but could not speak. She got him up to bed. and tried to get a doctor, but was unable to do so. On Monday deceased was in the same condition, so she called Dr. Drier, who came round immediately. Dr. E. Drier stated that, he found deceased curled up on a mattress on the floor. He appeared to be suffering from an injury to the head. He was partly conscious, and was muttering, as if attempting to speak. He also made a movement Unit he wanted to write. A pencil was placed in his hand, and he attempted to write, but failed. There were signs of cerebral mischief, and also a swelling and abrasion on the left side of the head. In his opinion the injuries were consistent with deceased having fallen downstairs. Witness ordered his removal to the Hospital. Dr. E. A. Bews, senior resident medical officer at the Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted on the 4th inst. The nasal bones were broken, and both eyes were blackened. He. was in a semiconscious state, and remained in that condition until the morning of the 7th inst.. when he died. A post mortem examination was held, and in his opinion death was due to congestion of the brain, resulting from chronic alcoholism. The inquest was adjourned to enable ■ the police to make inquiries regarding deceased's relatives.