FATAL DRINKING BOUT

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 June 1933, Page 2

FATAL DRINKING BOUT

REVELATIONS AT INQUEST, [per press association.] WELLINGTON, June 11. “The whole thing was disgraceful, and it is evident that it was the result of what was more or less a drinking bout,” observed the Coroner Mr. E. Gilbertson, at the inquest on Leo. Stephen Curtis, whose body was found in the rear of the Empire Theatre building, at Petone, early on Monday morning. The Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to injuries received by falling over a staircase. James Swayland said it was customary for a party of men to go to the theatre building on Sunday evenings “for a beer." On Hie night in question, witness at about. I<< p.m., found the deceased lying on the floor at. the bottom of the stairs, and told him he had better go home. Witness put a. seat; under him, thinking he would go home when he was sober. Alexander Baineaves said that all of the party were more or less drunk, but there were no arguments or fights. He had left, the deceased lying on the floor, thinking ho was drunk, but not injured. After hearing medical evidence, the Coroner said he gathered that the deceased had tripped over the staircase and fell to the concrete floor below. In reply to the Coroner’s question as to whehter the building was the usual place for these orgies, Detective McLennan stated it was rented to a local sporting body, but he had arranged for strict control of the keys, and no further trouble would result.