SUICIDE BY SHOOTING

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22317, 3 February 1938, Page 6

SUICIDE BY SHOOTING

CORONER’S COMMENT AT INQUEST ON YOUTH Cr&GSa ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, February 2. A verdict that John Ernest Bedford, aged 16, committed suicide by shooting himself on his employer’s farm at Karaka, Papakura, on December 7, was returned by the Coroner (Mr. F. KHunt). Mr Hunt added that he was satisfied that the boy had been quite happy, that he had wanted for nothing, and that there was no reason why he should have taken such a step. Gavin Howie, the farmer who had employed Bedford, said that Bedford had been inclined to prefer his own company, and that he had not visited the house much, except to have his meals. He had worked with the witness at Karaka for two years, and had slept in a whare at the back of the house. He had appeared in his usual good health on September 7, when the witness had visited the city with hifi wife, leaving the boy on the farm. J, J. Lawes, vice-chairman of the Orphan Home Trust Board, under whose supervision the boy was, gave evidence that Bedford had always appeared perfectly happy, and that he had always spoken highly of his employer. . , Mr Hunt remarked that he had not wanted to return a verdict of suicide in the case of such a young person.