LAND AGENT’S DEATH

Evening Star, Issue 23498, 12 February 1940, Page 10

LAND AGENT’S DEATH

GOAL GAS POISONING A verdict that death was caused by coal gas poisoning, self while in a distressed state of mind, was returned by the coroner _ (Mr J.j-B-Bartholomew; S.M.). this morning when an inquest was held into the death, which occurred on Saturday, of Francis Bernard Francis, land agent. Sergeant Cooper watched proceedings on behalf of the police. Evidence of identification was given bv George Shepherd! Laurie. . “Dr Norman Charles Speight described the position of the body as it was when he was called to the scene. From its appearance and from the circumstances related, he was of the opinion that death was due to coal gas poisoning, self administered. , . Edward Robert Coxon cook at the Brown Owl Cafe, said that when the deceased did not turn up at the Brown Owl at 6 p.m. on Saturday, as was his wont he became alarmed. Witness telephoned deceased’s wife and she said she had not seen her husband during tho afternoon, nor had she been able to make contact with him at his office. Witness went to deceased s office in Dowling street, but could get no response. He got in touch, with an employee, and they entered the office to find deceased lying on the floor, an overcoat wrapped about nis bead, A piece of tubing was attached to a gas pipe on the wall, and the other end of the tubing was inside the overcoat. Witness summoned the police. Robert Cecil Norman Reed, employed by deceased, said he had known him for eight years. During the past year he had not been in good health, and was worried because of financial difficulties. ' Witness last saw deceased at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and was not then alarmed by his condition. Sergeant Cooper described receiving the call to deceased’s office and the finding of tho body. Correspondence found in deceased’s possession showed him to be in financial difficulties and to be pressed for money. The Coroner returned, a verdict as indicated.