POISONING SUSPECTED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 674, 28 May 1929, Page 1

POISONING SUSPECTED

MAN DIES IN HOSPITAL EVIDENCE AT INQUEST Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. An inquest concerning the death of George Ernest Hensley, aged 45, labourer, married, who died in the Christchurch Hospital on Sunday morning, after being admitted apparently suffering from poisoning. was opened before Mr. Levvey, S.M., coroner, today. Francis Hayes Lavary, a neighbour of deceased, said he was called to see deceased late on Saturdaj’- night, and he found him in bed. He was ill and witness gave him salt and water and summoned Ur. Pearman, who ordered his removal to the hospital. Elizabeth Ann Hensley, widow of deceased, said her husband left home after breakfast on Saturday, returning at 6.50 p.m. slightly under the influence of liquor. Witness went out to shop and on returning found her husband going to bed. He called her to his room and when she asked what was the matter he said: “This —the end of the dope.” Witness thought he meant the drink. She went back to the kitchen, but returned to the bedroom several times, and found him lying quite still. About 10.15 witness heard a groan and asked her husband what was the matter and wliat he had taken. All he replied was “opium, opium.”

Witness- said since being invalided home from the war suffering from tuberculosis her husband had done no regular work, his health being indifferent. His mental condition had been peculiar in recent years, especially when under the influence of liquor. He had spoken occasionally of taking witness’s life and his own, and had spoHen of poison. The inquest was adjourned.