THE LATE MR E. Y. SIMPSON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7700, 8 May 1903, Page 2

THE LATE MR E. Y. SIMPSON.

— -* — — THE INQUEST. An inquest was held this morning, at the Morgue, touching the death of Mr E. l Y. Simpson, under circumstances in yesterday's issue. The Coroner, Mr R. Beetham, conducted, the inquiry. Mr S. N. Robinson was selected foreman of the jury. \ The Coroner, in opening tha inquest, informed the jury that the case would probaibly be found to- be one of suicide. Deceased had been found in great pain in a ■ paddock, and had subsequently died. A post mortem examination had been made, . and portions of the body had been reserved for analysis. After taking outst-de evidence it would be necessary to adjourn until si future date, when the medical and scientific evidence would be available. Marion Simpson, wife of the deceased, stated that her husband had come home ; on Wednesday afternoon, and left' again ! for the shop about 4.30. She never- saw him alive again. He was depressed when, he left home. When lie did not return at' night she grew anxious, and gave information to the police. He attended 1 regularly to his business. His financial position was sound so far as she knew-. She was on excellent terms with, her husband, and knew of no reason w.hy he should take his life. He had complained of sleeplessness for tho last day or. two. There was- some I poison in the house which was used for keeping down weeds upon the paths. Alan Howard gave evidence as to the finding qf deceased. *At three o'clock yesterday ; morning he heard groans coming from a paddock, opposite his 3iou.se, at Richmond, He went to the spot aSid found deceased apparently in great pain, twitching and groaning. He spoke to iim, but deceased did- not answer. He then serit for the police. He did not know deceased. Constable Flewellyn gave evidence as to having been called by the previous witness. He found deceased lying on his back dead. He telephoned for Dr Orchard, who arrived soon after, and pronounced deceased dead. He found among other articles in deceased's possession a pocket-book, containing upon one of the pages the pencilled, words, " Dear wife, Marion. Forget me, but forgive me. E.Y.S." . At the request of Mr Bruges, who was watching the case for the funnily, Mr J. S f Williams was called. Mr Williams stated that he was a member of the firm of Simpson and Williams. Deceased was his partner. He saw him on Wednesday for the last time about 2.30 in the afternoon, at the shop in High Street. He thought that 1 deceased was a little depressed, though it did not strike hint at the time. He knew of absolutely no business trouble which could have worried deceased. . He had not been in bad health, but was a. little poorly. The- inquest was then adjourned until Monday next, at four o'clock.