POISONED BY GAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21924, 6 October 1934, Page 20

POISONED BY GAS

ACCIDENTAL OCCTIEENCE

MAN LIVING IN HACH DISCOVERY BY SISTER A verdict of accidental death from the after-effects of gas poisoning was returned by Mr. W. 11. McKean, S.M., coroner, at an inquest helci yesterday into the death of James Harold Faga-i, aged 52, who lived at tho home of his sister, Mrs. M. E. Gladding, at 13 North Avenue, Devonport. Dr. A. H. Kirkor said .deceased was admitted to the Auckland Hospital on September 13 suffering from the effects of coal gas poisoning. After 36 hours his condition improved, except for tho. development of bronchitis. He died on September 19 from broncho-pneumonia, induced by inhaling coal gas. The sister of deceased, Mrsi. Gladding, said that for the past two years her brother had lived with her. He occupied a small bach at the back of tho section and this was fitted with a gas heater. Every night, at about nine o'clock, deceased would come into the house, make a cup of tea and then retiro to bed. He followed his usual practice on the night of September 12, a Wednesday. It was deceased's usual habit to remain in bed on Thursday mornings, and when he was not seen that morning witness did not worry. At 11 o'clock, however, she knocked at liis door but received :rio reply, and when the room was broken into deceased was found in bed. The room was full of gas, but deceased was still breathing. He was given medical attention and sent to tho Auckland Hospital. "Tho previous night, about 12 o'clock, I turned off the gas meter, and if my brother had his heater on at the time this would put it out," witness added. "Next morning I turned on the meter again and put Is in it. This would immediately turn on the gas in my brother's room if the tap had not been turned off there. My brother always turned off his her.ter before retiring, but I am of the opinion that on this occasion he fell off to sleep and forgot about it. Ho nevor suggested any intention of taking his life and I feel confident that the occurrence was accidental." William Sydney Fagan, father of deceased, said his son had been for many years in tho Imperial Army in England and fof three and a-half years in tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He suffered from shellshock and always locked himself in his room at night as if frightened of something, but had never shown any sign of suicidal tendencies.

A verdict of accidental death from causes outlined in the medical evidence was returned by the coroner.