INQUEST AT NAPIER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 21, 6 January 1928, Page 3

INQUEST AT NAPIER

OVERDOSE OF METHYLATED SPIRITS. An overdose of methylated spirits, in conjunction with a weak heart, was the verdict of the jury who conducted an inquest yesterday afternoon at the Napier Courthouse into the .circumstances surrounding the death of John Gilbert] de Moleyns who died suddenly on Wednesday ’ last after being admitted to the Napier Hospital. The evidence showed that the deceased, who lived in a whare at Korokipo, near Taradale, had been a heavy drinker John Allnutt. who lodged with the deceased for the few days previous, went off for a doctor when his condition became alarming. The deceased was consequently moved to the hospital in the ambulance where he expired a few minutes after admission. Dr. Bonighton, who attended the deceased on his arrival, said that he was unconscious but was struggling. His pulse could not be felt, while his heart beats were but faintly audible. Death followed almost immediately. Dr. Allan Berry, superintendent, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said that every symptom was consistent with the theory that the deceased had died through the drinking of methylated spirits. He added that the man had a very weak heart. Allnutt, in his statement, said that he had known the deceased for about 13 months. On de Maleyns’ invitation he had gone to stay with him during the holidays. Last Tuesday morning witness left the whare to go to work at Crissoge. The deceased was supposed to go with him but asked that excuses be made for him. Returning m the evening witness found the deceased lying in his room, hi s condition apparently being unchanged. He told witness that he had drank some methylated spirits. As the bottle was empty lie must have consumed about a pint, A s de Moleyns refused to hear of him going for a doctor witness retired to bed. During the night the deceased got up three times for a drink of water. Witness rose early next morning, when he found that the condition of the deceased had taken a turn for the worse. He then cycled to Napier to see Dr. Costello, who rang for an ambulance. When he returned to the whare he found the deceased lyiue in a semi-conscious state. A verdict as stated above was then returned.