“BEER" PARTY FATALITY

Grey River Argus, 12 June 1933, Page 5

“BEER " PARTY FATALITY

(P’r Press Association). WELLINGTON. J'”'O n“The whole thing was disgraceful and it is evident that it was the result of what was more or less a drink ing bout,’’ observed the Coroner, Mi 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 Sway land said it was cus-to uiury for a party of men to go to the theatre building on Sunday evening.-, “for a beer.” On the night in question, witness at about .10 P.m., found the deceased lying on the floor at the bottom of the stairs, and told him he had bcttei go home. AVitness put a scat 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 he was drunk, but not injured. After hearing medical evidence the Coroner said he gathered that the deceased had tripped over the stair* case and fell to the concrete floor DO" low. I n reply to the Coroner's question as to whether the building was the usual place for these orgies, Detective AlcLennan stated it was rented to a local sporting body, but he had ar ranged for strict control of keys, and no further trouble would result.