SUICIDE BY POISONING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18225, 19 October 1922, Page 9

SUICIDE BY POISONING.

BODY FOUND IN DOMAIN.

The inquiry into the circumstances of the death of John Paton Miller, aged 49, a waterside worker, whose body was found lying a short distance inside the j Domain gate near the hospital annexe last Friday night, was concluded yesterday by Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M. Deceased was a member of the police force some years ago. Sergeant Rock appeared j for the police.' I The evidence showed that a bottle which j had contained a strong disinfectant was found near the body, and deceased's lips • and mouth were burned. Dr. D. N. W. i Murray, who made a post-mortem examination, gave evidence to the effect that [ death was due to Bhock following on the swallowing of a corrosive disinfectant. It i was stated that deceased had been drinking heavily, and earlier in the week had said that he would "end the drink or his life." A verdict of suicide was returned. Sergeant Rock said he had known deceased from boyhood. Deceased belonged to a very respectable family, and as a member of the police force would have gone far but for an unfortunate failing. This failing wrought an entire, chance in his life, not only in the advancement of his position, but also in Mie Honking up of his home life. His wife had struggled against this for years, and, to her credit, had succeeded fn bringing up a family of which any mother might be proud.