INQUEST OPENED

Southland Times, Issue 22296, 11 April 1934, Page 9

INQUEST OPENED

WAIMUMU TRAGEDY. EVIDENCE OF FATHER. The inquest on the death of Arthur Joseph Biondell, aged 34, farmer, of Waimumu, who died on admission to the Gore Hospital on Monday after being pinned under a light truck overnight, was opened before Mr A. H. Aitken, J.P., and a jury of four yesterday afternoon. Messrs M. Green (foreman), R. Campion, W. Christie and J. R. .Hood comprised the jury. The inquiry was conducted by Sergeant Fryer. Mr R. B. Bannerman appeared for the relatives and Mr G. R. Martin for the National Insurance Company. Joseph Blondell, farmer, Waimumu, said that the deceased was his son. On Sunday the deceased and a brother William, left in a motor truck which was driven by the latter. He did not know where they were going, not being at home at the time. About 11 o’clock on Monday morning, William Blondell was brought home. The deceased was taken to his own hut on the farm, and he visited him there. He was in bed when he arrived and complained of being very cold. He appeared to be in a serious condition. Witness arranged for some hot water bottles to be placed round the deceased, and then set out for Gore and secured Dr. Stokes, who examined the deceased and ordered him to hospital. The ambulance was sent for and the deceased conveyed to the Gore Hospital. Witness said from what he could gather from speaking to both sons that the truck had skidded in loose gravel. The deceased was too weak to go into details. Sergeant Fryer said this was all the evidence available and lie asked for an adjuornment sine die, which was granted.