MARINE ENGINEER'S DEATH

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 9

MARINE ENGINEER'S DEATH

} INQUEST AI/JOimNED. John Finlay, residing at .23, Oashel Street,- city, was admitted to the Ghristohurch Hospital late on Friday evening, -suffering from injuries to tho Skull, and died there at''three o'clock ■on.,Saturday morning. Prior to admission to the Hospital he was attcnded.to. by Dr Anderson. -.,.. ■;• j . An inquest was held at the Hospital on Saturday afternoon, tho Coroner. Mr H. W. Bishop, presiding. William T. Bennett, marine engineer, said that he had known Finlay for .about twelve months. Ho was a .marine eugineeT, and had worked with witness; and had stayed at the same board-ing-house. Finlay was brought heme on Wednesday, at about 10.16 p.m., in a semi-conscious condition. Witness "carried' him to a bedroom, and sent for 'Dr Anderson, who examined, him. and gave certain instructions. A few hours later Finlay regained consciousness, and complained about a man having struck him on the jaw. Witness stayr ed with him all night, and he was very restless. Finlay was conscious throughout the next day, but all.he .said was, «_ -was a- dirty dog to hit me. About -1 a.m. on Friday Dr Anderson was called in, and gave Finlay a sleeping draught." Finlay woke up at 2.30 p.m., r bu.t at about 5.45 p.m. -witness saw that Finlay "was sinking, so he ;brought>him to the Hospital. Finlay iwas semiconscious, and most of fthe i time'was complaining of the man ■ who he said had hit.hinu-. .... '(

. Charles Finlay,' retired farmer, livjn& . at Tiiyiaru, identified the "deceased as his son, ,who was thirty-five or. thirty-six years of age. His son was .married,, ltis- ! wife being in Blenhoim at the present'tjme. Ho was a-strong, Healthy, man, and never ill. '' At Senior Sergeant Mathieson's -re-quest,-the inquiry was'-adjourned until Tuesday, ii midday, at the Courthouse.