SUFFERED FROM BAD HEALTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18009, 20 November 1926, Page 2

SUFFERED FROM BAD HEALTH.

BODY OF RETIRED FARMER FOUND HANGING TO BEAM. Walter Stewart Parker. a retired farmer. sixty-six years of age. was found hanging at his residence, SO, Idris Road. Fendalton, this morning. He had been suffering from a nerv ous breakdown. He was well known in the Banks Peninsula and Pareora districts, where he held a high place in the esteem of farmers and other residents. An inquest was opened today by Mr 11. P. Lawry, Coroner. Glcndolin Maude Parker, a niece of deceased, said that about 4.30 a.m. Mrs Parker called her, and she went out and found her uncle hanging to a cross-beam in the washhouse. A box was on the floor behind him. He was tied with a sash-cord. One end was attached to the beam; the other was in a running noose around his neck. She the cord. He then was quite dead. She informed the police and Dr Pairman. Parker had suffered from neuritis. lie seemed depressed, but had given no indication that he would take his life. Ellen Parker, deceased's widow, said that he had been in delicate health for about three months. Last night he seemed a little better than usual. He retired about ten o'clock. About 4.15 a.m. he got vip and dressed and said that he was going outside. As he had not returned about a quarter of an hour later she went to look for him. The washhouse door was open and she saw him standing or hanging. He had no financial worries. For the past few weeks he had been rather despondent, but showed no indication that he intended to take his life. The inquest was adjourned sine die to enablo Dr Pairmai) to give evidence.