DOCTOR'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 207, 1 September 1932, Page 8

DOCTOR'S DEATH.

A NAILED-UP CUPBOARD.

WATCHED DAY AND NIGHT.

OVERDOSE OF VERONAL;

SUICIDE THEORY SCOUTED.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WHAXGAREI, this clay,

A verdict that Dr. Thomas Tarrant Hoskins died at Russell on' July- (3 through an overdose of veronal, selfadministered, -while he was suffering from the effects of a previous dose or doses of the drug, was returned by the coroner, Mr. T. J. V. Dunlop, at the resumed inquest which was held at Russell last evening. Evidence was given by Dr. G. Frengley, of Kawakawa, that on' the morning- of July 6 he went to Russell to attend deceased. He found him in a condition with the history of narcotic poisoning. He left the patient with Dr. Chesson when he appeared to be out of immediate danger, but a relapse occurred a- few hours later, and Dr. Hoskins died. ■> "In my opinion," witness added, "death was due to an overdose of veronal. At 5.30 p.m. on July 3, Dr. Chesson telephoned mo that Dr. Hoskins had taken 80 grains. On July 4 Di\ Chesson notified me that Dr. Hoskins had recovered. The next day, however, I received a letter from Dr. Chesson informing me that he thought the patient had taken something again on the previous night. We decided there was a possibility of suicidal Iwtent. Wβ also decided that Dr. Hoskins must be watched day and night. Ido not think anyone could administer a dose of more than 100 grains to a medical man without his knowledge. I am of the opinion that after the first large dose ii would take two or three days before Dr. Hoskins would recover all his faculties. It is possible that he took au overdose while in a stupid frame of mind." Dr. Frengley produced the Government analyst's report, in which it was stated that traces of veronal had been found in the organs forwarded, to him. The amount would bo more than sufficient to cause death.. ** Wife's Great Concern. The evidence of Dr. Herbert Chesson, retired medical officer of health, formerly in charge of the North Auckland district, followed on similar lines. He said that Mrs. Hoskins was very concerned and assisted him in every way. The medicine cupboard in the bathroom dispensary had been nailed up by her, and she had asked witness to take the drugs away, as her husband was asking for them.. Counsel for Mrs. Hoskins: From conversations with Dr; Hoskins you would not say ho was anxious to take his life.—No. - From his condition would you say that he did not know what he was doing?— He was very dopey and if he had got hold of drugs he would not have known what he was doing. A domestic employed by Mrs. Hoskins, Miriam Jane York, said on the Tuesday Dr. Hoskins took a small bottle to bed with him, but Mrs. Hoskins took ft away from him, Mrs. Hoskins nailed up the medicine chest. They could not find a key to the bathroom dispensary , , but put a large trunk in front : of the door to'stop deceased from getting; in. That night a Maori came in for treatment and Dr. Hoskins got, up. Harbour Master Called in. The Russell harbour master,. Alien E. Neumann,.eaid-he received a message to go over to Dr. Hoskins about 11 p.m. on July 5. He remained In the house until norning. Before Mrs. Hoskins went to >ed_ she tojd witness she, was very anxious that the doctor" should not be illowed near the medicine cupboard, or to get drugs of'any kind.: Early in the morning the doctor, went to the bathr room, washed his face and.brushed his eeth. Witness, was, watching and knew deceased did not take anything from the room. Deceased' then returned to bed. Counsel: .You were the only person who had rational conversation with the ,doctor on the.'night before he died? Yes. Would you think he was a inan who was cdntemplating suicide?— No. Hβ did not say he was going to take any more veronal?— No. ; And if be did, was ho in m, condition to measure out a dose?— No. Aβ far as you can say, foe had nothing while you -were there ?—•Nothing. Wife Gives Evidence.' The next witness was Mrs. Hosikin&. "At no time did I give my husband any injection or drugs whatever during hie last illness. I nailed up the medicine chest to keep drugs from him. That was after I ihad collected all the veronal and gave it to Dr. Chesson to take out of the house. I knew Dr. Hoskins wanted drugs for sleep." Detective Robertson: Is it correct that you searched. every where to gather up drugs to give to Dr. Chesson?—Yee. Did he have a considerable quantity of narcotic drugs?—No, he had a comparatively small quantity. Where did ho keep them?—ln the medicine cupboard. If he did get any on the Tuesday night have you any idea where ihe might have got them from ? : —No, I even went through all jhis clothing. The Coroner: Did the doctor at any time threaten to commit suicide ?—Never in his life. Was the doctor in the habit of taking veronal? —Yes, ihe took it for a disability. He had been taking it for years. Detective Robertson produced a, list of poisons kept in the dispensary, which deceased could have .need to commit euicide. "If he had wanted' to. commit suicide,". said Mrs. Hoskins, "he would have shot himself. He had a loaded gun and cartridges in his room." That concluded the evidence, and ,ihe coroner'gave his verdict as. reported.; ,