BODY IN CAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23003, 2 April 1938, Page 18

BODY IN CAR

SHAEEBEOKEB'S DEATH EVIDENCE AT INQUEST " FINANCIAL WORRIES " STATEMENT BY A SON [by telegraph—own correspondent] CHRISTCHURCH, Friday A statement that his father's financial worries would ha\'e been substantial, and that as far as he knew his estate was insolvent, was made this morning by Eric Pr.vce Newburgli at the inquest into tho death of his father, Thomas Newburgli, former Mayor of Sumner, and well-known city sharebroker.

Deceased was found dead in his car 'in a quarry near Culverdon on March 15, and, leading into the car from the exhaust pipe, was a piece of hose which had carried carbon monoxide gas into the machine. All but one of the windows were closed. Discovery at Quarry John Edward Tait said that he know Thomas Newburgli, and on March 15 at 9.40 a.m. he received the following telegram: "Quarry, Tuesday morning— Tom." Witness added that he did not know who tho telegram was from, and accordingly he communicated with the postmaster at Culverden. A telegram was received from tho postmaster 'informing him that the telegram was signed "Thomas Newburgli" on the back. He then rang Thomas Newbnrgh's office, .and the dead man's son told him that his father was missing. Witness then asked the son, Ralph Leslie Newburgh, to come to his office, and both then left for the quarry at Culverden.

"On arrival at the quarry," witness continued, "1 saw Thomas Newburgli's car in the quarry, and in the driver's seat 1 saw Thomas Newburgh. I found lie was dead, and it would appear that death had taken place some hours previously.'.' Eric Pryco, Newburgh, aged 27, a son of the dead man and a member of the firm of Thomas Newburgh and Son, said he was in Sydney at the time of his father's death. "Since I returned home 1 have taken charge of the office and of my father's affairs," witness added. "My father did not leave any note about his office or at his home indicating his intention to take his life. I received a letter from my father about a week prior to his death, and there was nothing in the letter to indicate that he was worried in any way. On the contrary, the letter seemed to be written in a cheerfid mood. "Did Not Confide in Anyone"

• "I do know that my father was suffering from nerves for a number of years and, in my opinion, the worries of business were just too much for him I know now, since I took charge of tho business, that his financial worries would be substantial. He did not confide in anyone that he had financial worries. As far as I know now, my father's estate is insolvent, and I have made application to the Supreme Court to have the estate administered in bankruptcy and for the official assignee to take charge." < Before giving his verdict, the coroner, Mr. H. A. Young, explained that he had taken evidence at Culverden on two previous occasions. A postal clerk gave evidence that a telegram was handed in to him on the evening of March 14. The man who handed it in did not seem to be excited, but seemed quite normal. He asked that the telegram should be sent on the next morning, and that was done at nine o'clock.

The coroner returned a verdict that Thomas Newburgh committed suicide on March 14 by inhaling carbon monoxide gas.