WOODSTOCK MAN MET ACCIDENTAL DEATH

Grey River Argus, 19 February 1949, Page 2

WOODSTOCK MAN MET ACCIDENTAL DEATH

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 18.

A verdict that John Joseph Kelly, a miner, died on July 2'3, 1948, as the result of a bullet wound in the head, there being no evidence to indicate that th<i wound was otherwise than accidentally self-inflicted, was given by the Coroner (Mr Rex C. Abernethy) at Christchurch yesterday. An inquest into the death of Kelly was held before the Coroner (Mr R Paterson) at Hokitika on July 24, 1948, whltn a verdict was returned that death resulted from a self-in-flicted wound. An appeal, by the widow, for a new inquest was allowed by Mr Justice Fleming in the Supreme Court on November 9, 1948., A new inquest was held before Mr Abernethy at Hokitika on February 3, 1949, when the verdict was reserved. This verdict was given yesterday.