Death of Mr Joseph Bell

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIII, Issue 15695, 10 November 1915, Page 3

Death of Mr Joseph Bell

THE INQUEST On Tuesday afternoon an inquest was held concerning the death of Mr Joseph Bell, before Mr G. J. Parker, Acting coroner. The following comprised the jury : J. B. Johnson (foreman), E. Ga r diner, R, Parr, W. Newsham, R. Coulter and J. R. Nicol.

Robert G. Bell deposed that on Friday last deceased left bishomeat Hungahunga for Te Aroha and Waihou He saw him at home after the accident. Dr. Inglis arrived there later, and ordered the removal to Glencairu Hospital : and this was done on Saturday niOin. ing early, death ensuing on Sunday moruing. Dr. F. Otto Inglis stated that he was called to Mr Bell on Friday afternoon and found him suffering from cerebral spinal apoplexy. He was paralysed completely in the lower limbs, and partially in the upper limbs. Had deceased brought to |the hospital, where he died on Sunday morning. Constab’e W. Mouson deposed that he saw deceased at Glcu:airn Hospital on 6th inst, wheu he made a statement to the effect that he and Bowditch were riding home from the Waihou Sale about 4 o’clock on Friday, along Alexandra Road, when his horse stumbled, which threw him over the horse’s neck to the ground. The back of his neck and head -he thought struck a wooden stump by the roadside. Bowditch lifted him :up, and he was removed, to his home..and next morning to the hospital. - / ; v

W T. Bowditch stated thaf-ou Friday he rode home in company with Mr Bell along the Alexandra Road, Said to Bell ‘‘ we had better go steady here on account of i the holes and ruts in the road.” Just afterwards saw Bell’s horse faster, and the rider fall. Got C. Stanley to drive him home in a gig. The jury returned the following verdict ; “ Deceased met his death through an accident, caused by a fall from his horse;’’