BOY FOUND SHOT

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 28, 3 February 1938, Page 7

BOY FOUND SHOT

VE'RDICT OF SUICIDE

(By Telegraph—Fress, Association.)

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. K. Hunt, S.M. Mr. Hunt added 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, farmer, who had employed Bedford, said 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 witness at Karpka for two years and had slept in a whare at the back of the house. He had appeared in his usual good health on December 7, when witness had visited the city with his wife, leaving the boy on the farm. Mr. J. J. Lawes, vice-chairman of the Orphan Home Trust Board, under whose supervision the boy was, gave evidence that Bedford hadf 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.