SHEEPFARMER’S DEATH.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16447, 3 June 1924, Page 5

SHEEPFARMER’S DEATH.

SUICIDE WHILE INSANE. "YOU'RE TOO LATE, OLD MAN.” An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Clifford Hood, sheepfnriner, of Kanakanaia, was held before the District Coroner, Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M., yesterday afternoon, the proceedings being conducted on behalf of the police by Constable Leckie. Evidence was given by Mary Hoed, wife of the deceased, that between 2.30 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, her husband had been sitting in the kitchen and seemed very cold. Witness put a chair up to the lire for him, but he declined it, stating that he was going for a short ride. A little while after she saw him getting his horse, and did not see him alive again. Her husband’s health, generally, had been good, and he had been entirely free from sickness for years. Lately, however, he had been complaining of not sleeping towards morning. For a week he had been very quiet, but gave no indication of worrying. The farm upon which they were living was the property of witness, and as all the financial troubles were hers, deceased had nothing to worry about in this connection, although he had managed the farm, and, perhaps, worried on account of the property not paying as well as it should have done. A few months previously, in fact, he had said he was worried over the farm, and had said that for two pins he would get the gun, to which witness replied, “Don’t talk like that.” After the deceased went out on Sunday witness felt anxious, and sent one of the farm hands, Frederick Powell, to look for him. Powell returned some time later and said it was too late. After his, previous threat witness had a feeling that all was riot well, and as he went out her husband had a peculiar look on his face. Her brother was over during the day, and her husband had been very quiet, speaking only to ask for something. She could in no way ascribe any reason for her husband’s action.

Angus Alexander Fraser, sheepfnrmer, of Rakauroa, stated that he had last seen the deceased at about 2 p.m. on the Sunday, when he seemed in his usual health, but not in his usual spirits. Deceased had appeared worried over the financial position of the farm, and had said, “I hate working on other people’s money.” Witness toid him that as long as he was improving his position it was a fair thing. Witness was well acquainted with his brother-in-law’s financial position. He had small reasons for worry, but not substantial ones, and was not pushed 1 in any way whatever. When witness left deceased had waved goodbye. Deceased had made no threats during any discussion, and had said nothing to indicate that he intended to take his own life. Prior to lunch they ha been talking as usual, and deceased had seemed pleased at the prospects; but at lunch time he had become quiet, and witness could not understand it, as he could see no reason for it. Deceased’s married life had been quite happy, .and he had seemed fond of his wife and children.

Richard Witters, sheepfarmer, Rakauroa, stated that the deceased had called at his station between 4 and 1 4.30 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, and asked for his rifle, which witness had borrowed. Witness had also given him two cartridges. At the time deceased had seemed to be in very good spirits; arid had gone in, sat down, and 1 discussed a number of things in a very good mood. Witness gathered from his remarks that things were getting better with the deceased. After staying for about- 30 the deceased left with the intention of going home. The only thing out of the ordinary that witness noticed was that the deceased had' put the cartridges straight into the magazine. Frederick Powell, farm hand, employed by the deceased, stated that shortly before dusk Mrs. Hood had asked him to go and look for her husband. Witness went out and met the deceased coming back with a man named Parkinson. Witness noticed that he had a rifle, rode past, and then turned round and followed up the road. Parkinson left the deceased, and witness Hung back. A little further on deceased dismounted, and witness rode towards him. W’hen within about a chain deceased said, “You’re too late, old man,” and, holding the gun under his chin, pulled the trigger. Witness went over to the body, and when he saw that life was extinct he went straight to the house and informed Mrs. Hood.

Formal evidence was given by Constable Leckie as to the position and condition of the body when he made a subsequent examination. Dr. Gunn was present at the time, and had told witness that from the position of the wound it could only have been effected by the deceased himself. The Coroner found that deceased committed suicid'e while of unsound mind.