ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20287, 21 December 1927, Page 10

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

FOUND DEAD ON BEACH. (Per Unit, j Press Association.) AUCKLAND, December, 20. The body of John Edward Blythen, aped 25, single, was found on the Shoal Bay Beach, at Northcote, at 9 o’clock last night with his brains blown out by a shotgun. The deceased had been depressed for a long period. FATAL MOTOR COLLISION. (Per United Press Association.) HAMILTON, December 20. A fatal accident occurred at the Five Cross roads at Cluudelands at 7.40 last night. Leslie Spencer, aged 21, a salesman, employed by Messrs Barton aid Ross, Ltd., of Hamilton, was riding a motor cycle, when ho became involved in a collision with a motor car driven by Ray Gilford, of Hamilton. Spencer suffered severely from concussion and abrasions •to his head, and was admitted to the Waikato Hospital in a critical condition. Ho succumbed to Jus injuries this morning. Tile motor cycle, was wrecked, and the car was slightly damaged. BODY FOUND IN RIVER. 'Per United Pregs Association.) WELLINGTON, December 20. The body of the missing man, Alexander Osborne, was found in the Hull River this morning near the spot where his hat was discovered some days ago.

GAS POISONING. WOMAN FOUND DEAD. (Special xo Daily Times.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 20. Early this morning Eleanor L. Baynon, single, aged 44, was found dead in the kitchenette of her parents’ residence at 43 Randall street, St. Albans. A gas jot was found turned on, but the fanlight and one of the doors were open. At the inquest it was stated that Miss Baynon was on sick leave and had suffered from sleeplessness for some time. Dr R. 11. Baxter said that deceased had suffered from thyroid and nerve trouble and was in a debilitated condition. Sho was liable to a sudden collapse, and tho gas from the open jet would in that case accelerate death. Tho coroner (Mr H, A. Young, S.M.) returned a verdict of death from gas poisoning, which may have been •accidental.

CHILD DROWNED IN CREEK. iPeh United Press Association.) ASHBURTON, December 20.

A thrcc-yoar-old boy named Ronald Balford was drowned at Tinwald last evening. Ho was staying with his grandfather, Mr W. Bryant, and went out into a field with Ids uncle, aged 17, and while tho latter was engaged in turning over some hay tho boy wandered away, and (ho body was found in a creek near by.

BODY FOUND IN HARBOUR. (Per United Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, December 20,

The police were advised this afternoon that tho b-odv of a man had been scon floating in the harbour near the wharf. Constables succeeded in recovering tho body. It is believed to bo that of a man answering to the t.antes of both Thomas Scott atift Muir. An inquest will be held.

A FATAL GUNSHOT WOUND. (Per United Press Association.) WANGANUI, December 20. A distressing fatality occurred at Manpawhoro this evening, resulting in the death of Donald Gunn Poison, aged 16, tho oldest son of Mr W. J. Poison, Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union. The lad was out hare shooting, and while he was attempting to get through a hedge the gun wont off. The charge entered his right side and inflicted so severe a wound that ho died a few minutes later. An inquest will be hold.

SCHOOL TEACHER’S DEATH. The circumstances .surrounding the death of Alexander Hogg.ms, aged 43 year?, -i teacher at Normal School, worn made the subject of an inquiry before the coroner, Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., at 9.30 a.m. yesterday. The deceased was found dead in a workshop at his homo. 187 Cargill street, early on Monday evening. Sergeant Gilligan appeared on behalf of the police. Dr Arnold Perry gave evidence of irlontiO’ation, and stated that the deceased suffered from chronic indigestion, but nof in a sufficiently son ere form to prevent him from following hi s occupation. Witness was called to 187 Cargill street about 7 p.m. on Monday and found Dio deceased in a workshop at the hack of the house. Ho was dead, and death had taken place at least two hours previously. fie was sprawling on a stool, and in the ngut side of the skull was n wound caused I y a bullet from u service revolver, which lay at his feet. The cause of dealli was laceration of the brain following the infliction of Die wound. The revolver had apparently been placed in the mouth, pointed upward, and fired. Witness umi known Die deceased for some time, and was aware Dint he was addicted to alcohol. Jane Martin TToggans, wife of the deceased, said that be enjoyed fairly good health, hut sufferer! from severe bilious turns and chronic indigestion. Ho was addicted to drink, and at times gave way to heavy drinking. On the night of December ‘lB he was drunk, and locked himself in his room. On Monday he hit homo in the morning and returned at about 1 p.m. His lunch consisted of a cup of tea, and ho appeared to have been drinking, although he was quite sensible. Ho left the house again at 2 p.m.and witness left shortly after. She returned at about 6.30 run., and finding that deceased was not about she searched the workshop and discovered him sitting in a chair, dead Dr Perry was summoned immediately The revolver was the property ot the‘deceased, who had it_ during his service abroad as a commissioned officer. The Coroner returned a verdict of death from a gunshot wound, self-inflicted, n h in a depressed state of mind.