ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS.

Grey River Argus, 14 January 1929, Page 5

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS.

GARDENER’S SUICIDE. AUCKLAND; January 12. Left digging in the garden yesterday, and apparently in good spirits, John Shirtcliffe was found dead in a gas-filled room four hours later. An inquest was held before Mr F. K. Hunt this inorning, when Elizabeth Shirtcliffe said that her husband, who lived with her at 18 Lillington Road, was an old age pensioner, his age being 71. He was a gardener by occupation. Her husband was digging ih tho garden when she and her daughter left the house about 12.30 yesterday afternoon. Shirtcliffe was discovered at 4.30 in the kitchen. The room was full of gas, and a tube from a gas ring was near his mouth. Dr Pezaro was called immediately. and pronounced life to be extinet. In witness’s opinion, her husband was depressed over a death in the family. A verdict of suicide by gas poisoning was returned. MOTOR CYCLISTS HURT. GISBORNE, January 13. As the result of a collision between a motor ear and a motor cycle on Saturday evening, John Jennings, aged 25, driver of the cycle, and Joseph Waters, aged 26, pillion rider, were admitted to the hospital, but their injuries were uot serious. BATHER’S INJU&Y. DIVES ON TO A PILE. GISBORNE, January 13. While bathing at midday to-day, William Robert Walter Plowman, aged 22 years, dived into the water from the harbour groyne, and apparently struck a pile. He was rescued by a companion. It was found that his back was badly injured, he being removed to the hospital in a serious condition.