DEATH OF A YOUNG MAN

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 27

DEATH OF A YOUNG MAN

BODY FOUND ON HIE BEACH. Tho body of Mc-rvyn Foster Greene, aged 21 years, 'who had been missing from his home for several days, was found on tho beach near Lawyer's Head on the 13th inst. Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., held an inquest on the body later in the day. Isaao Greene, 'father of the deceased, stated that he last saw his son alive on the morning of the 2nd inst., when he was in good health. "Witness had had occasion to check his son for going out too frequently at night and remaining out too late, and this was always taken in good part. Deceased did not return to his home on tho 2nd inst., nor was he present at breakfast next morning. Witness then becanio anxious, and on making inquiries found that his son had been out with a fellowofficer, Mr Higgins, on the Friday evening. Deceased was a particularly bright boy, and had no deficiency about him whatever. While in camp at Featherston he had contracted influenza, which ho reckoned had affected his heart. He was not robust, buthad plenty of energy and vitality. So far as witness could -see deceased had got completely over his trouble. He had no worries as far as witness knew. Witness identified the clothing found on the cliffs beyond Cargill's Oastlo as those of deceased. The writing on an envelope produced was that of deceased, who had expressed disappointment at not receiving better treatment at the hands of his department (the Public Works). ' Ralph" mentioned in the noto referred to his younger brother, to whom he had pro mised a pea-rifle. There had been no indication on deceased's part" to end his life, and witness did not take the pencilled note to indicate such an intention. Thomas Joseph Higgins said he had been in deceased's company for perhaps two or three evenings a week. On the 2nd inst. they left the office together shortly after 5 o'clock, and they met a fellow-boarder of witness and went to an hotel, where deceased had some refreshment. Deceased waa not feeling well, and they went to_ a chemist's shop, where deceased had a "pick-me-up." They walked to the Fountain, and deceased and witness nroceeded to tho Tivoli restaurant. Thence they went to the convenience at the Octagon, deceased not feeling well. Witness left deceased there while ho went back for his hat and to pay_ what was owing, and on returninc: five or six minutes later could not find deceased. He never saw deceased again. He searched for deceased, but not finding him concluded that ho had gone home. Deceased was not at all depressed. He never said or did anything indicative of worry, or that ho might end his life. The only thing he mentioned was*" his disappointment at not being transferred to the engineering branch. Constable Schruffer said ho found in tho pockets of the coat handed him by the witness M'Laren a wallet containing £2 18s and some letters and photos; also the envelope with the pencilled writing upon it. Tho cliffs where the coat was found were perpendicular, and thero was a drop of 250 ft into deep water. * verdict of found drowned "was returned.