AN INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1929, Page 5

AN INQUEST

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 30. ' Giving evidence at the inquest on Alfred James Barker, his wife stated she had been at a euchre party with her two children arid returning home at’ 10.45 p.m. found her hus : band on the kitchen floor with a gas tube in his mouth and his head under a cloth: She did not think h 6 was dead as she had seen him like that before. When he was drunk he slept in the kitchen and therefore she did not notify thp police. He had previously threatened to shoot himself. She later informed Walters, who rented a room in her house, tha> she thought her husband Iliad gassed himself. Walters said _he though Barker was in ft drpiken Mrs Barker and Walters retired to their respective rooms at 2 n.m. an 4 a.m. Mrs Barker looked at her husband who remained in the same position. Then she called Walters and they sent for the poli.ee Walters, in evidence, said lie didnt think Barker was dead. Although his hands were cold he didn’t advise calling a doctor. . Mr Hunt, S.M., Coroner, /returned* ft verdict of suicide by gas poisoning He said the oiroumstances are very peculiar but no doubt they acted bonafide. ______