DEATH IN THE SCRUB.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 126, 28 May 1919, Page 5

DEATH IN THE SCRUB.

HAN'S BODY FOUND. §J| MB HANGING FROM A TREE. "**■ The body of Mr. William Stacey was found hanging from a tree not far from his home, in a patch of scrub, yesterday afternoon. Mr. Stacey (71) was a retired farmer, and lived at Marne Avenue, Mount Albert. The deceased, who had been in delicate health for some time, had left his home on Monday afternoon about halfpast four, telling his wife that he was going for a walk before tea. As he aid not return, she became alarmed, and informed the police. The district was scoured, and the body was eventually found yesterday afternoon. An inquest into the cause of death was held at the morgue this morning before Mr J. E. Wilson, S.M. Dr. J. J. G. Baber identified the body. jas that of his patient, William Stacey. jHe had last seen him on May 3. His I mind was clearly unhinged on some subjects, and he suffered from brain softening. He was very depressed, but was not unmanageable. Mrs Stacey, widow of the deceased, stated that he had been in the habit of roaming- about and constantly took long walks, often leaving the house after j the evening meal and not returning till ten or eleven o'clock. She did not become anxious till after midnight owing to his usual habits. They informed the police on'the next morning. Constable McGlone stated that he was informed of the. absence of the deceased at about 7.30 a.m. and »commenced to 'search. .. They searched a gully about a I quarter-mile from Marne Avenue, and found deceased hanging from a ti-tree by a clothes line. He was quite dead. The-finding was that William Stacey died at Mt. Albert" on the 26th instant, the cause of death being suicide by hanging while the deceased was in a depressed state of mind.