DEATH FROM EXPOSURE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 3 June 1938, Page 2

DEATH FROM EXPOSURE

EVIDENCE AT INQI'EST At the inquest this morning concerning the death of Chales Albert Muir, the Coroner. Mr T. E. Maunsell. returned a verdict that deceased died on or about 19th April off Murphy street, deat'e being due to exposure. James W. Bird gave evidence of identification. He said that deceased when 14 had an injury lo his head and suffered from epilepsy. He had two fits on the day before he disappeared. He suffered from mental deficiency and was not capable of working. James S. Allcott. deceased s stepfather. said he last saw deceased alive about 7.10 p.m. on 19th April. He had epileptic fits before he disappeared. Dr. T. E. Caffell. assistant medical superintendent at the Nelson Public Hospital, said he had seen no sign of injury on the body of the deceased liable to cause death. If deceased had had a fit he would be in an amnesic state as a result of which lie would be liable to wander away and die of exposure. Evidence as to finding the body on the side of a hill behind a gorsc bush on Mr Loveridge s property was given by Walter J. Harley. Constable A. J. Austin said deceased was reported missing on 20th April, and a search W'as made by the Nelson police. He was also searched for in Wellington where he was reported to have been seen. On Ist June a body was reported to have been found on Mr Loveridge’s property off Murphy street, and witness proceeded to the locality.