MR P. H. GOODSIR'S DEATH.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17315, 29 November 1921, Page 8

MR P. H. GOODSIR'S DEATH.

INQUEST CONCLUDED. The inquest touching the death of the late Percy Howard Goodsir, secretary of the Wookton Tanneries, w(ho was found dead, in the grindery room of the company's premises, Manchester street, on •November 12th, was concluded yesterday before Jtfr "Wyvern Wilson, District Coroner. Dr. A. B. Pearson stated that he had carried out a post-mortem examination, on the body. There w,ere slight abrasions on the nose. There was evidence of old pleurisy on the left side. The lungs showed congestion, and the lower air passages showed chronic inflammation. The upper air passages showed acute congestion. The heart showed evidence, of old inflammation of the covering membrane. Death, was due to heart failure resulting from irritant poisoning, and accelerated by the diseased condition of the heart. The stoniacli and ite contents, saturated with alcohol, were placed in a jar, sealed, and. given to the police- A similar procedure waa adopted with, regard to,the liver and spleen. He lhad seen the report made by Mr A. A. • Bickerton, Government Analyst, which the indications were that deceased had consumed a large quantity of strong whisky. Witness considered that the alcohol had acted as an irritant poison. CecU Claude Morton Ollivier, managing director of the Woolstdn Tanneries, said that on Friday, November llth, he wais on the premises shortly after 8 n.m. There was then no one in the office. The following morning at light waa found, which had been left» from the previous night. Hd had seen on anonymous note which bad been found in the deceased's possession, but he could not identify.-the writing on it. He. had always understood that deceased was a temperate man. Constable Beck stated that he found deceased at 9.30 a.m. on November 12th, fully dressed, lying face downwards in his office. A Bmoll empty wfhisky bottle was found in the overcoat pocket. A broken cup was also on the floor about two yards from the body. On searching the body, witness found the letter (produced). The letter referred,to was 'as follows: —"You would do well to watch the office during the next few weeks. Remember, the balance is not finished. A secretary is blamed for many things wihen the heads are away. This is not bluff; just caution! From conversation overheard, it is worth while heeding and watching. Be on your guard, and -.eep your own counsel. In good faith. —Christchurch, October 25th, 1921." ' A verdict was returned that death was due to heart failure, due to alcoholio poisoning,. accelerated by the diseased condition of the heart