AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1147, 26 April 1870, Page 3

AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH

(From the " Southern Cross," April 11.) On Saturday afternoon another awfully sudden death occurred in this city. On Friday and Saturday last it will be remembered that the first of a series of charges of alleged breaches of the Customs' Act, by Mr. Lawrence Lazard, was gone into at the Police Court. On Saturday afternoon the first case was brought to a close adverse to defendant, the result being the imposition of a fine of £100 and costs, or an alternative of six months' imprisonment in the Mount Eden Gaol, and the other seven charges against the defendant were adjourned until Wednesday, the 13th instant. During the prolonged trial Mr. Lazard seemed to bear up with wonderful composure — in fact,, appeared to look upon the whole affair as a matter of little moment. During the trial, also, the police gave him every possible indulgence, several times having been taken from the Court House, under charge of detective Ternahan, for a stroll and refreshments; Shortly before sentence had been pronounced, deceased expressed a wish to the detective officer to have a drink, when the kind-hearted fellow took him across to -the Auckland Hotel, when deceased had a little gin-and-water, previous to drinking which he carefully rinsed his mouth with water. Returning to the Court House, 'he was standing outside, when a young gentleman named Phillips came. out to Mr. Lazard, and: told him that sentence : . was about ,to be pro-, nounced. Deceased and the officer en-, tered the Court together, when he heard his sentence with the utmost com-« v plaeence, going outside shortly afterwards" again, conversing with his friends, no doubt, respecting the payment of his fine. Mr. Lazard was a Jew ; and, Saturday being the Sabbath of his people, there was therefore some little delay in procuring the amount required. The fine and costs not being at once paid, a warrant of commitment was ordered to be made out. Hitherto Mr. Lazard seemed to have been under the belief that he would'be detained at the Police station in High : street until the consideration of the other charges against him should be proceeded with on Wednesday next, when no doubt he would have paid the penalty in the first case. But suddenly as the truth shot across his sensitive mind that he would have to be removed to the Mount Eden Gaol, and be thero a fellow-inmate with the offscourings of Colonial society, it seemed too much for his slight physical frame. His face blanched, a wild hysterical cry burst from his hitherto composed lips, his whole frame was seen violently to shake, and he leaned, or rather fell, against the porch at the entrance of the Court House. Instantly he was seized by the young friend previously named — Mr. Phillips — who was unable to support him, but was at once aided by Detective Ternahan. Mr. Lazard was carried into the office of the Commissioner, of Police. Here restoratives were applied, and he slightly recovered as if from a convulsive fit, and when about to bo removed to a roomier and airier place said, " Let me die here !" These were his last words, and as symptoms of another fit were seen coming on he was carried into the courtyard for fresher air, and a doctor sent for. Scarcely had he been laid down before his body became rigid, and his face, neck, and breast quite black. He died in the presence of the Commissioner of Police and a hw of his kinsmen a few seconds before Dr. Nicholson arrived. This occurred about 25 minutes past 4 o'clock, and the Court rose at a quarter past 4i. Thus, within about a quarter of an hour after sentence was pronounced, Mr. Lawrence, Lazardceased to live. The Rev. Moses Elkih was at once sent for. Mr. Naughton, accompanied by Mr. A. M'Math, immediately jumped into a cab, and hurried off to acquaint the Coroner. On their return, permission was given to have the body removed from the Police station to the de-. ceased's own store, in Shortland-street, whither it was accompanied by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. We have conversed with his medical attendant respecting the cause of death, who thinks no doubt can be entertained that the immediate cause was the bursting of a bloodvessel upon the brain. Deceased, we believe, was a remarkable man. Born in London, of German parents, he was removed thence to Prankfort-on-the Maine in his childhood, to receive his education, which was more than an or: dinary liberal one, Mr. Lazard being a •perfect master of the English, German, French, Italian, and other modern languages, besides having a profound acquaintance with the mother of many languages — the ancient Hebrew. On the completion of his education ho returned to England, where for several years he held responsible and lucrative situations in several large firms in London, Manchester, and Bradford. Removing to the Australian Colonies several years ago, he has held different appointments there, until about two years ago, when he became connected with the extensive firm of Lazarus, and Co., of London, Melbourne, and Dunedin, general importers. About twelve months since he came here for the purpose of opening a branch store for the above firm, and was, we believe, engaged to be married shortly to a wealtuy lady in Melbourne. His father is dead, but his mother- still Jives -in Frankfort : on-the. Maine. Deceased was, we believe, about thirty-four years of age, and had a large circle of friends. The awful suddenness of his death cast quite a gloom upon the^ community on Saturday evening. At the inquest the medical evidence proved that death had been causocl by atrophy of the heart, resulting from excitement. We have heard it stated that the' whole matter relating to the case of the late Mr. Lazard, aud his death consequent thereon, is to be brought under the attention . of a committee of tho House of Represent^-, tives at the next session of the General; Assembly.