A YOUNG MAN'S DEATH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14441, 6 February 1909, Page 12

A YOUNG MAN'S DEATH.

CASE FOR INQUIRY. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCIIURH, February 5, Thomas Saunders, a. young roan, who received n blow behind the ear when leaving the Cave Book Hotel oil January 20, died at the hospital this morning. It a.ppc.irs Mint when he was coming out of the hotel he tripped over a dog belonging to Alexander Kiddey, -vvliicl- wan lying in the parage. Jfe ii.nl just gained the roadway when lie received a blow behind the ear. and fell in the roadway in a dazed condition. He attempted to lise. but fell again, and it was some minuter before lie recovered sufficiently to walk away from the hotel. The matter was reported to the police, with the result that on Wednesday last Alexander Kiddey appeared before'the Police Court charged with Saunders ?.nd using -obscene language. ]u the coui-se of his evidence Saunders related I lie above facte, and said that a? be was struck behind the ear lie heard someone make use of ar obscene expression. 'Ihe blow was delivered from behind. and as it was dark and lie was rendered semi-unconscious he could not say who struck liiin. Kiddey admitted pushing Saunders, but said he did not strike him, and witnesses substantiated this evidence, the case being dismissed. Since Saunders was assaulted he has been the subject of epileptic fits. He took a very b;ul turn yesterday, and was removed to the hospital 'last' night, and died this morning. Mr 11. W. Bishop, district coroner, was communicated with, and he ordered a poet mortem examination to be made. Detective Ward has been inquiring into the matter, but so far no fresh evidence has .been obtained. An imiuest will »robnbly be held.