ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 12

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

FOUND DROWNED. (Peh United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, December 23. The body found in the harbour yestorJay has been identified as that of Judith Alston Hammond, aged 47, single, who has been missing from her home at Birkenhead since December 15. An overcoat and umbrella, considered to be those of the deceased, were found on the Devonport ferry boat that day. At the inquest to-day evidence was given that deceased was subject to bilious attacks and giddiness, and the theory was advanced that she had been leaning over the side of the boat to vomit and overbalanced. A verdict of found drowned was returned. VERDICT OF SUICIDE. (Special to Daily Times. ) CHRISTCHURCH, December 23. At the conclusion of the inquest on John Dunnett, who was found dead at the front door of a house at 140 Peterborough street on December 7, the coroner (Mr H. P. Lawry) returned a verdict ot suicide by taking strychnine. KNOCKED DOWN BY MOTOR. CAR. ' (Peb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 23. Thelma Keele, aged four years, residing at 342 "Stanmore road, was knocked down by a motor car this evening, and received a fractured jaw, fractured left leg, and injuries to the head. She was admitted to the hospital in a serious condition ELDERLY MAN’S DEATH. COLLAPSE IN BAKEHOUSE. Yesterday morning at 7 o’clock, Robert Aitken, aged 66 years, an employee of John Brown’s bakery, collapsed and died while moving some empty sacks., An inquest was held in the City Morgue at 11 a.m., before Mr 11. W. Bundle, S.M., Sergeant M'Entee representing the police. Arthur James Aitken, butcher, 601 Castle street, identified the body as that >f his father, a baker’s labourer, employed at John Brown’s bakehouse in George street. He was 66 years of age. At 6.30 o’clock yesterday morning he Lft home, apparently in good health, and after enjoying a hearty breakfast.

William Steel, baker, 466 Cumberland street, said that the deceased was a bakehouse assistant, and was working with witness at the time of his death. He did not see deceased fall, but found him a few monents later lying beside half a dozen empty sacks ho had been carrying. A week before he had complained of giddiness, but had otherwise appeared in his usual health. He was formerly a watchmaker. When found by witnes?' the deceased appeared to be dead. Dr W. Evans said he examined the deceased at 7.15 a.m. Death was due to heart failure following degeneration of the heart muscles. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.