FALL FROM VIADUCT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20779, 23 January 1931, Page 14

FALL FROM VIADUCT.

MAN TAKES OWN LIFE. PROTECTIVE STEPS FRUITLESS. [BY TELEGRAriT. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAUSTARUNUI, Thursday. An inquest was held to-day concerning tho death of John Blumberg, aged 50, whoso body was found on Tuesday at tho bottom of the Mangatuketuko viaduct, eight miles from Ongaruo. Joseph Henry Gray said that on Tuesday morning ho received a communication from Mr. 11. Delaney, manager of Messrs. Ellis and Burnand's mill at Ongarue, to tho effect that Blumberg was walking on his way to tho Ongarue township. Witness was told by Mr. Delaney that Blumberg was not mentally sound, and to keep a look-out for him. Witness overlook Blumberg about a milo and a-half from tho camp. When Blumberg got to tho viaduct ho stopped and then crossed over. Witness thought ho was following ond proceeded down tho tramline. When Blumberg did not come in sight witness went back and saw Blumberg standing about tho centre of tho viaduct. Witness then went behind a cutting, and on looking round ho saw that Blumberg had disappeared. Witness then went back to tho viaduct and saw Blumberg lying in tho gully below. Ho then telephoned to Mr. Delaney. There was a handrail on both sides of the bridgo, which was perfectly safe for foot traffic. Albert Hugh Delaney said deceased was employed by Messrs. Ellis and Burnand as a navvy at the bush camp. Witness was informed that some of Blumberg's companions were concerned about deceased's health.

Constable Prussing said deceased's injuries were such that death was instantaneous. Blumberg came originally from Russia and was a singlo man.

The coroner returned a verdict that deceased committed suicide whilo of unsound mind. Ho added that the manager and workmen had realised deceased's state of health and had done everything to protect him.