DEATH OF MR F. V SEGAR.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19093, 27 January 1932, Page 6

DEATH OF MR F. V SEGAR.

INQUEST OPENED YESTERDAY. At the Courthouse yesterday afternoon an inquest was opened by the District Coroner, Mr C. R. Orr-Walk-er, into the death of Percy Victor Segar. Mr Segar, who was an old member of the Timaru Municipal Band, was practising with the Band in the bandroom on Monday night when he collapsed suddenly. Dr King was summoned, but deceased was dead when he arrived.

William Henry Osborne, conductor of the Timaru Municipal Band, stated that deceased had attended a rehearsal in the bandroom on Monday night. He appeared to be in excellent health and spirits. After practising till 9.40 p.m. a rest had been taken and after ten minutes, work had been resumed. A few bars only had been played when deceased dropped his instrument and collapsed in his chair. Medical assistance had been summoned, but on arrival the doctor had pronounced life extinct. There was no struggle. Witness had known deceased for about 21 years, and was not aware that he had suffered from heart trouble. He knew that deceased had had pleurisy.

Herbert G. Segar, gunsmith, of Timaru, a brother of deceased, gave evidence of identification of the body. Witness had last seen his brother on Sunday and he then appeared to be in good health. Two years ago deceased had had a serious illness, either pleurisy or pneumonia. He was not aware that his brother had been examined for heart trouble, although he had been told that he had complained of his heart. To his knowledge deceased had never had an operation nor a serious accident, but on the day of his death he had cut his finger severely.

The inquiry was then adjourned until this morning, when medical evidence wifi be heard.