BUSINESS MAN'S DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 13

BUSINESS MAN'S DEATH.

HANGED FROM A BE-AM. SYMPATHY VOICED AT INQUEST. [isr TELEGR-Vru. —OWN' CORRESPONDENT. 'J CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. An inquest "was held to-day concerning the death of Arthur Fosfyn Drayton, aged 61. a well-known Christchurch business man, who was found hanged at the promises of Dainties, Ltd., Dundas Street., last night. After returning a verdict of suicidewhile of unsound mind, the coroner, Sir. 11. P. La wry, S.M., said :_"Hc was a good man, a good husband and a good father. We can ill afford to lose a citizen, of his stamp " Sympathy was expressed with the relatives. Di". William Bates said Mr. Drayton had been suffering from influenza, but; had been struggling on with his work. His heart had given way. He was very anxious to help the secretary of tho firm with the animal balance. Witness allowed him to do half-time duty. He was a tut depressed and there were melancholy symptoms with influenza, much more so than there was any cause for. In that state .deceased would bo liable to a. sudden attack of dementia. Witness did not think ho would be accountable for his actions at the time of his death. William Roberts llency, secretary of Ashhy, Bcrgh, Ltd., in which iirm defeased was managing director, said he sa\» deceased at tho office at about 10 a.m. yesterday. Mr. Drayton was quito his normal self and discussed business problems in tho usual manner. Witness left, the office for about 15 minutes, and on returning found him out. Deceased had told the telephono exchange attendant that ho was going round to Dainties, Ltd. He frequently had occasion to visit that company on business. lie had no business worry at Ashhy, Bcrgh, Ltd., except tho quantity of work in preparation of tho stock sheets. The financial affairs of tho firm were not causing him any worry. Mr. Drayton had considerable private interests, which caused him some concern, but on tho date previous to his death lie informed witness that matters were piogressing very satisfactorily, and that he was quite satisfied with the position. Evidence was given of tho search for deceased and of the finding of the body in an inner room at Dainties, Ltd., hanpinrr bv fV rope from a beam in the ceiling. "Death had occurred some hours previously. Mr. Drayton was connected with several business firms in the city, arul actively interested in public affairs. Ho was an energetic worker on the unemploy - ment committee and president of the Christchurch Hardware Association.