CARDIFF FARMER’S DEATH

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1934, Page 6

CARDIFF FARMER’S DEATH

FOUND HANGING IN CAR SHED. . “LOW PRICES RESPONSIBLE.” Alfred James Smith, aged-81, a wellknown Cardiff farmer, was found hanging in his carshed on Cardiff Road yesterday morning soon after 9. His son, Mr. Reginald Smith, made the discovery on returning from the factory, and although artificial respiration was applied immediately death had taken place. Smith left a note giving as his reason financial responsibility resulting from the low prices of butter-fat, and the verdict given by Mr. W. L. Kennedy, district coroner, at the subsequent inquest was that Smith committed suicide while mentally depressed over financial matters. Reginald James Smith said he had always lived, at home and had last seen bis father at 7.45 the previous night at the tea-table. It was assumed he went to bed as usual and was then in his usual health and spirits. He had had to be watched closely over the past two years as he had had suicidal tendencies, becoming despondent and worrying about everything generally, although he had never stated his intention of committing suicide. Nevertheless he had worried over financial matters and had led witness to believe in his speech that he would commit suicide.

After milking yesterday morning he had left for the factory at 8.15 and had returned at 9.15 to find the garage door kept closed with a stone. That had not attracted his attention on going away. He looked in the shed saw his father hanging and called his wife and the workman, T. Hickson. Hickson applied artificial respiration without result. There was a note pinned to the coat: "This is to certify that I do not intend being responsible for making butter-fat below cost, 6d and 7d; I will let someone else try it. There’s an end to these prices. lam too old to take the responsibility any longer.” A further note in shorthand was addressed to the police. Reginald Smith stated he had asked his father a month ago to let him do the business for him and relieve him of the responsibility, but he did not seem inclined to hand over the management. Mrs. G. C. Richards, a neighbour, stated she had seen Mr. Smith walking to the carshed about 6.30 a.m. His behaviour was normal. . A farmhand employed by Mr. Smith, Thomas Hickson, gave corroborative eyidencc. s - Mr. Smith was one of the best known figures in the Cardiff district. always took a prominent place; in any matter that had for its object’ the advancement of the district or the betterment of conditions. For many years he sat on the board of the Cardiff Co-op. Dairy Company, where he was looked upon as a man of sound common-sense and straightforward opinion. As a Jersey breeder he was known far and wide, particularly as his great cow St. Lambert’s Belle, in the earlier days of intensive dairying, set up a then record achievement in production. Mr. Smith always carried with him the gold medal awarded by the Jersey Council for the record of his pedigree'favourite. In his younger days in England, Mr. Smith was a noted cricketer, having played on representative tours for some of the best Known clubs. -When he came to New Zealand he applied his knowledge to the coaching of younger men and was often to be found at the'umpire’s stand in important matches.

.. ■ PERSONAL ITEMS., Miss D. Carter and Mr. R. Boyd, both members of the Stratford Methodist Tennis Club, in view of their approaching marriage, were the recipients of a presentation at the courts yesterday afternoon. The Rev. T. Skuse in presenting a cut glass salad bowl wished both happiness. Mr. W. McKee, manager of the Eltham branch of Community Stores, has been transferred to Taumarunui. He will be succeeded by Mr. G. Batchelor, New Plymouth. ' Visitors to Eltham this -'-eek are Mrs. Felix McGuire (Auckland) and Mr. and Mrs. Frank McGuire (Hamilton). They are staying at the Central Hotel. The late Mr. Felix McGuire was formerly resident at “Mt. Royal,” Okaiawa, and represented the district in Parliament for many years. Mr. and Mrs. A. Fisher, Epsom, Auckland, have returned home after sPeuding a holiday at Eltham as guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. O. Casey. Mr. and Mrs. C. Maslin, Eltham, have left for a holiday in the north. • Mr E. Major, Stratford, has left to enter the Salvation Army Training College, Wellington. Mrs. F. E. Bocock, Cornwall Road, Ngaere is in the Stratford hospital. It is expected she will be there for two , or three weeks.