WELLINGTON INQUESTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 October 1934, Page 12

WELLINGTON INQUESTS

SUICIDE IN GAOL. [per press association.] WELLINGTON, October 11. Evidence that deceased had in his possession a tiny glass phial, the contents of which have not yet been revealed, was given at the inquest on Albert George Oppenheim, who died shortly after admission to the Wellington prison on Monday night. James Valentine, a prisoner, said he arrived at the prison in a police van with two othei’ prisoners, of whom deceased was one. Deceased and himself were placed in the hall, and were the only persons in the hall. They remained about ten minutes before a warder arrived. While there he saw deceased take a small glass phial from his pocket and saw him place it in his mouth. He asked witness was it noticeable, and witness said it was. Deceased withdrew it. from his mouth and asked for a cigarette paper. Witness gave him one and deceased poured about half the contents of the tube into the paper. He asked for another paper, and he wrapped this also around the stuff he had emptied out. Witness asked him what it was, and he said cocaine. Witness was taken to be searched and when he returned he was with deceased about five minutes longer. He asked him if he had succeeded in concealing the stuff, and deceased said he hid it. between the sheets. Deceased was then carrying his issue and bedding. He did not see deceased swallow anything while in his presence. Deceased said nothing any time about committing suicide. The inquest was adjourned. At the inquest on Henry Jameson, 36, seaman, whose body was found in the harbour on October 4, the Coroner returned a verdict that deceased was believed to have died from drowning, there being no available signs of violence or evidence how the body reached the water. Deceased was last seen alive on September 10.