SAD DEATH OF MR WALTER DIGNAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8610, 4 July 1891, Page 5

SAD DEATH OF MR WALTER DIGNAN.

Mb. Wawkr Dignam, eon of tho Hon. P. Diehan, and a member of the legal firm of Dietnan and Armstrong, died suddenly at tho family residence yesterday forenoon under distressing circumstances. For some months past Mr. Digban had beerv in falling health, suffering severdy from neuralgia and kindred complaints, and recently he had had a number of teeth, or rather stumps, extracted. Ho consulted Dr. Hainee in regard to hia health, and Dr. Unities prescribed a month wash whioh the deceased was in the habit of vising for his gums. When he retired to bed on Thursday nighb he appeared to be in his usual state, ind to be fairly well. At ten o'clock yesterday morning Mr. Peter Dignan, his brother, saw him, and In reply to his question he said he was going to take his bath. This elicited no surprise, as Mr. W. Dignan had been In the habit of taking a cold bath every morning. A few minutes afterwards, however, Mr. Peter Dlgnan heard the deceased moaning, and rushed into the bathroom. Hβ found hie brother sitting in the bath, and with the a?sistanceof another brother, Michael, commenced to rub him. His mouth appeared pained, and in reply to their questions as to what was the matter, the sufferer said, "I have swallowed some of that wash, put me to bed." They at once carried him to bod, and messengers were promptly sent for medical assistance. Dr. King was found by Mr. Peter Dignan himself, and without delay accompanied him to the home in Wyndham-etreet. Dr. King administered emetics, and used other remedies, remaining with him up to the time of his death at noon. Mr. VV. Dignan never spoke from the time he was placed in bed, and as there appeared to be reason to believe that death resulted from the swallowing of the mouth wash referred to it has been deemed necessary to hold an inquest, and this will take place to-day. The greatest sympathy was expressed ye-fterday with the parents and friends of the deceased in this unexpected misfortune. Mr. VV. Dignan was born in Auckland. He was the eighth son of the Hon. Patrick Dignan, and was educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School. He was always of a very studious disposition, but popular on account of his unassuming gentlemanly demeanour and thoughtful disposition. After loaviner college he served articles with the firm of DLnan and Armstrong, and after a visit to Sydney he joined the firm as a member, and ever since he has been in the habit of appearing for the firm in their Court proceedings, displaying a good cultivated legal knowledge and business capacity.

[by tklegraph.—special correspondent.]

Wellington, Friday. Great sympathy was expressed for the Hon. P. Dignan by members of Parliament and others, when a telegram waa received announcing the death of his son, Mr. Walter Diguan. Before Mr. Dignan had read the message to him announcing the news, Mr. Thompson, who had also received intelligence by telegraph of the sad occurrence, informed him of his son's death. The Hon. gentleman, though greatly distressed, bore the affliction with fortitude. Mr. Digruin, who is one of the most popular and kindly members of the Legislative Council, had the sympathy on every side which ho so readily shows in like circumstances.