Poultry Conference Marred by Tragedy

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 279, 25 November 1939, Page 7

Poultry Conference Marred by Tragedy

WELL-KNOWN MAN FOUND DEAD Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, Nov. 24. Tragedy marred tlic South Island Poultry Association’s conference to-day when it was discovered that Mr. C. J. C. Cusscn, of Hamilton, chief poultry instructor to the Department of Agriculture, who was to have attended the conference but did not appear, had died suddenly at his hotel. Mr. Cussen, who was aged about 60, was a well-known figure in poultry circles. Last night he attended the reception tendered to delegates and returned to his hotel after the function. This morning he did not appear at breakfast and it was not until after the luncheon adjournment of the conference that his friends proceeded to make inquiries as to his whereabouts. It was then that the tragic discovery was made. Mr. Cussen had apparently suffered a heart-seizure. Ho had held the position of chief poultry instructor for two years and previously was the South Island instructor for many years. He had been with the department for 40 years.