A SCHOOLBOYS’ QUARREL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 9 August 1928, Page 7

A SCHOOLBOYS’ QUARREL.

4. HAS FATAL RESULTS. UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES. (By 'lelegrayli—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 8. Til© story of a .schoolboys’ quarrel which ended fatally was told to-day at the inquest into the death of Roy Tilbury, a 12-year-old boy of Constabp btreet. Newtown, who tell, striking his •Bead! ,against a.- window, when .J a me- 1 King, aged 13, hit ham in retaliation ter caliin.gr him Hitmen.

Tne coroner Mr E. Page, S.M., .remarked that the facts in the case seemed clear. Tilbury appeared to be accustomed to call King names and a few minutes prior to toe .striking or the blow had 'Squinted water at «mm. it was only to be expected that King woJlct retaiate. The boy’® liead nan atruex a window and, the serious injury and subsequent death weie uniaituinite. Lt was quite unexpected from a, **io,v which was not reaJy a violent one.

• f do not'think” concluded the coroner, ••tnat King had any desire to do tne boy any real injury.”

l'il ourv and a f.rienu were .standing by a confectioner's ishop 'oo .J uly 2V, wi.en King came post and asked Tilbury ir lie intended giving any more [ v-.Vilc. king then struck hint on tne eye with, ms hst. Jn falling, TiUuiry ,struck his head, against the window. rte did not appear hurt ait. the time, but two days later he complained or pains in hiss head. Having been exnmined by a doctor lie was removed to hospital on August 1. He, died there on August 4. Medical evidence was to -the effect that death was due to a fracture of the temple extending into tho nose fo.lowed by acute meningitis. James King .said he did not mean to hin t Tilbury the blow being .given as a warning. After giving the blow he ran away.

Tlie cotonicr’s finding was in accord mice with the, medical evidence.