HOTEL TRAGEDY.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15202, 15 October 1919, Page 4 (Supplement)

HOTEL TRAGEDY.

DEATH OF A FLAXMILL HAND. [United Pbhss Association.] Blenheim, Oct. 13. The police here received word on Sunday that a tragedy occurred at Wairau Valley on Saturday night, George O'Leary, aged 35, a flaxmill hand, dying. It is alleged that an alteraetion took place at the Wairau Valley Hotel. Blows were exchanged, and as a, result O'Leary fell, and never spoke again. Evidence at the inquest disclosed that the deceased had-been refereeeing in a football match, and afterwards attended a football meeting at the Wairau Valley V Hotel. Subsequent to the meeting some of the company adjourned to the taproom, where drinks were served. An argument arose, and some heat was Displayed, the deceased remarking that C. Sasse, licensee of the hotel, was an Australian and that he (deceased) would like a smack at an Aussie. An altercation ensued between the deceased and Sasse. A window was broken, and the deceased received a mark' aftove the left eye. No witness admitted seeing any actual blow struck. The deceased afterwards collapsed, and never regained consciousness. Medical evidence stated that the deceased had a long-standing disease of the heart, and that the actual causa of death was dilatation of the heart, which could be brought a!b'out by exertion as a referee at a football match accelerated by a heated argument or a blow. The inquest is proceeding. At a social held in the Richmond Methodist Sunday School, Mr H. Rose find family, who' have gone to reside in Pioton, were farewelled, and Missioner Wearne, who has come to labour in the Wakefield section of the Richmond Circuit, was welcomed. There was a fair rttendance of the members of the 3hurch and Endeavour Society and their friends. Addresses were delivered hj the chairman (Rev. W. Wills), Messrs D. Gunn and F. Bateup and Pastor E. T Jones, whose remarks, were suitably acknowledged. A. concert programme that was nvucE appreciated comprised vocal solos by Miss Burrongh md Mr Salkeld, a violin solo by Miss Jurrin, a recitation oy Miss Cunninglam and a chorus by the choir. Mr H. P. Mourant, general secretary <f tho New Zealand Bank Officers' Suild, has been presented with an. illuminated address on his retiring from tho service of the Bank of New South Wales in order to take np the work of the guild.. The address was signed by ' ill tht> members of the Wellington branch of the bank. Mr Mourant was twenty-two years a member of the staff jf the Bank of New South. Wales an 3 was formerly teller in the Nelson branch. : ,