A SUDDEN SEIZURE DEATH AT CONFERENCE DELEGATE FROM DUNEDIN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17238, 19 April 1930, Page 14

A SUDDEN SEIZURE

DEATH AT CONFERENCE

DELEGATE FROM DUNEDIN

(Per Proas Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. While attending the annual conferfonmce of the Spiritual Church of New Zealand, Mr. John Ashton, of Dunodhf; had a seizure which resulted in liis death a few minutes afterwards. The opening session of the conference began at the Rechabite Chambers, Upper Willis street, at 9.30 a.m.. to-day, and Mr. Ashton's death occurred shortly before noon.

Mr. Ashton arrived in Wellington on Thursday morning from the south, and 'had intended to make a holiday trip of his spell in the North Island. Although secretary of the Duiiedin branch of the organisation he was not a delegate to the conference, but on its behalf the Auckland branch had prevailed upon him to act as proxy for them, and he accordingly attended the initial session. Nine delegates were present from the different centres, as well as several members of 't'he public. At 11.30 a.m. Air. Ashton rose from the table, and went to the door, beckoning to .Mrs. R. IST. Ridd, wife of the Duiiedin chairman, to speak to him outside the door. He told Mrs. Ridd that lie was unwell, and that if a t'hemist's shop were open he would try to get something to put him right. He went down the stairs lead-' iug to the street, returned again, and' weiH into a small room at the head of the stairs. .Mrs. Ridd rejoined the conference, ami one of the men pres-j (lit went t:> Mr. Ashton's assistance.! They left the building and went along Willis street towards the Dixon street intersection, apparently with the intention of returning to the Bristol private hotel, where Mr. Ashton was staying. A few minutes later Mr. Ashton's companion came back to the hall and asked for Mr. Ridd urgently. They went along to the. back yard of the Te Aro Hotel, situated at the corner of Willis and. Dixon streets, and arrived just as Mr. Ashton, who was lying on the grass, passed away. Dr. I'lhnmcr, who lives nearby, was called, but found life extinct. Deceased was married and lived at 1!) Cumberland street, Dnnedin. He was ">'_' years of age. Ho has a married daughter in Wellington, another daughter in Chri.stchnr.ch, and a sou who is said to live at Dunsandel, Canterburv.