MOTOR CYCLIST'S DEATH

Evening Star, Issue 19409, 18 November 1926, Page 6

MOTOR CYCLIST'S DEATH

INQUEST OPENED The inquest into the circumstances of the death of Harold Vincent Harrison, the motor cyclist who was picked up in an unconscious condition near Otokia on Tuesday afternoon, was opened to-day, by Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., at the hospital. Sergeant Dunlop conducted the proceedings on behalf of the police. James Harrison, a polish manufacturer, Victoria street, Christchurch, identified the body as that of his son. The deceased was a married _ man, thirty-six years of age, and resided at 46 Francis avenue ; Christchurch. Ho was employed by witness as a traveller, and was making his first trip to the south when he met his death. Deceased left Christchurch on October 20, riding a 2| h.p. motor cycle. Deceased was an experienced motor cvclist, and had ridden for at least two years. He enjoyed good health, but was of a nervous disposition. He was of sober habits. Dr H. W. Fitzgerald, a house surgeon at the hospital, stated that deceased was admitted at 7.30 p.m. on November 16, suffering severely from shock. There were abrasions above both eyes, a cut in the centre of the forehead, an extensive bruise above the left eye, and a largo abrasion above the left knee. Deceased was unconscious. He considered there was a fracture of the base of the skull. Dr Fergus performed an operation at 0 p.m., which showed that there was no fracture arterially, but on opening the skull there were found signs of hcemorrhage around the brain. Nothing further could be done. Deceased rallied slightly, but did not regain consciousness, and died at 9.55 a.myesterday, the cause of death being fracture of the base of the skull, with haemorrhage in and around the brain. The inquiry was then adjourned until Wednesday next at 10.30 a.m. at the court house.