A BOY’S DEATH

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1928, Page 4

A BOY’S DEATH

■By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 8. An inquest was held to-day into the death of Rov Tilbury, aged 12 years, of No. 1, Constable .Street, Newtown. The circumstances disclosed by the evidence. were that deceased and another boy, James King, aged 13, had quarreled, it being alleged that deceased had frequently called King names, and had l squirted water at him. The deceased and a friend were standing by a confectionery shop on July 27th. when King came past, and lfe asked the deceased if he intended giving anymore “cheek.” King then struck tile deceased on the eye with his fist. The deceased, in falling, struck his head against the window. He did not appear to bo hurt at the time, but two days later lie complained of pains in tlie head. He was examined bv a doctor, and was removed to the hospital on August Ist. He' died there on August 4th. The medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to a fracture of the temple, extending into the nose, followed by acute meningitis.

James King said that he did not mean to hurt tho deceased. The blow given was meant as a warning. After the b'ow witness ran away.

The Coroner, Mr B. Page, S.M., remarked that the facts in the ease seemed clear. The deceased appeared to he accustomed to call King names. A few minutes prior to the striking of the blow the deceased bad squirted water at King. It was only to be expected that King would retaliate. The deceased hoy’s head had struck a window, and the serious injuries and his subsequent death were unfortunate. It was quite unexpected' from a blow which was not really a violent one.

“I do not think,” concluded the Coroner “that King had any desire to do the bov a real injury.” A finding in accordance with the medical testimony was brought in.