FARMER'S SUDDEN DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18945, 17 February 1925, Page 10

FARMER'S SUDDEN DEATH.

STRAIN IN THE HAYFIELD.. FIVE ORPHAN CHILDREN, [BI telegraph.—own correspondent.] CAMBRIDGE, Monday. The death occurred with tragic suddenness some time between Saturday evening and Sunday morning of one of the most highly-respected and wellknown farmers in the Cambridge district in the person of Mr. Robert- Newcombe, aged 44, at his residence at I'ukeroro. Evidence given at an inquest showed that Mr. Newcombe had had a heavy day's hav-stacking on Saturday, and at tea time he mentioned that he was feeling very tired. He retired to bed at 7.30, and about eight o'clock his little daughter went to his bedroom to say good-night. He asked for a drink of water, and partly consumed it. About 7.30 in the morning an elder daughter called Mr. Newcombe, but go no response. Going into the room she found her father dead in bed, apparently having passed away in his sleep. Ho lost his wife only seven weeks ago, T>r. Stapley was of opinion that death was duo to heart failure following on excessive physical strain, and. a verdict was returned accordingly. The family consists of five children, the eldest son being only 19. The funeral took place this afternoon at the Cambridge Cemetery, and was very largely attended.