HOSPITAL TRAGEDY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11841, 24 January 1933, Page 4

HOSPITAL TRAGEDY

DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN SA.W-

MILLER'

The death occurred at Cook Hospital on Sunday of a patient named George Austin McDonald, well-known in timber and saw-milling circles in this district, as the result of cutting his throat with a razor. The inquest into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy was formally opened yesterday by Mr. P. TI. Harper, Coroner.

Detective,McLeod, who represented the police,, said that Mr. MacDonald obtained possession of another patient’s razor nt the hospital, and later was found with his throat cut. Evidence was given by Stanley Vivian Beanfoy that he had known deceased for about' ten years, and bad acted as his legal adviser. Fie last saw him alive on the previous Sat-lir. day. On the following day witness saw the body at Cook Hospital morgue. Wbon witness saw him on Saturday he seemed extremely worried and obsessed with, the idea that everyone was against 'him. TL- said lie had not slept for ihrre weeks.

To the Coroner: Wiim-ss dirl not speak on business matters to McDonald as he was too worried. Witness knew of his own knowledge, that McDonald had serious business worries, lie was a married man with a wife and three children.

The inquest was adjourned till !I a.m. to-morrow.

Tlie. magistrate ton); rhe opportunity of expressing his sympathy with, r.he relatives of the deceased.