SUICIDE OF A BOY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19512, 16 December 1926, Page 16

SUICIDE OF A BOY.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST,, " MOST UNACCOUNTABLE. CASE.'" A verdict of suicide by coal gas-poison-ing was returned by Mr, F. K. Hunt, S:»M., at an inquest yesterday concerning the death of Karl Edwin Smith, EdfejndaJe. It," was "stated the mother or deceased left him with an elder brother,, at. .12.45 p.m. on Tuesday. When she Returned home at 4.45 p.m. she found him «vn the kitchen floor, having turned oit tbft' gas and inhaled it. Noa& Riley Smith said his brother was in goiWi health, but had an impediment in his .spseeh, about which he was very sensitn*t>. He was impulsive and had frequently changed his mind as to what, he would follow. He was on the best -of terms with his family, ancll witness could think of no reason for suicide. Wiiliaspi Norman Smith, another brother, isaid he left deceased at about 330 p. mi, deceased then being in good health and spirits., facing up a garden spray, 'there had been no suggestion of a quarrel* and he thought the boy had me# his death by accident. There was: no earthhr reason far suicide. •„ Cfcmstatjle McGJoae said Dr. Gunia had t&fanned him death had been caused by cpal gas poisoning. A verdict, of sujqide was accordingly returned,, the corcmer saying it was a mpst, unaeeimntable case.