ASHBURTON NEWS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18901, 28 October 1929, Page 11

ASHBURTON NEWS

SUICIDE VERDICT IS GIVEN AT INQUEST.

The inquest into the death of John Jarvis, a single man, aged sixty, who was found shot at his home, 114, Alford Forest Road, on Friday evening, was held by the District Coroner (Mr R. Clark, J.P.) on Saturday. Robert Jarvis, a labourer, brother of deceased, said the latter had always enjoyed good health up to about three weeks ago, when he complained of suffering from sciatica. When witness arrived home at about 4.30 on Friday afternoon he saw blood on the floor, and on going to his brother’s bedroom found deceased lying on the floor with a double-barrelled gun alongside the bod}*, with a cord attached to the body. Earlier in the afternoon witness heard the report of a gun, but thought it came from the road. Denever threatened to take his ovm life. Deceased had suffered for some time with a bad leg. James M’Cheyne, a labourer, said he resided in the house with the previous witness and deceased, who were his half-brothers. He had spoken to deceased shortly before midday. Deceased had recently suffered with a bad leg, and had been unable to work during the last three weeks. He had never given any indication that he would commit suicide. Witness had been working in the garden during the day, but had not heard any report of a gun. lie identified the gun as that belonging to deceased. Ernest Cook Bathurst, storekeeper, residing at 94, Alford Forest Road, said he had known deceased for eight years. He called at the house at 12.45 on Friday, and found deceased complaining about his feet. Witness urged him to have a doctor, and he finally consented. In the conversation which ensued deceased had said, “ I would be far better dead.” Constable O. Murphy said he visited the house on Friday afternoon, and found the body lying on the bedroom floor. The left side of the head and face was blown away. Near the body was a double-barrelled shotgun, the right barrel of which contained a used cartridge. The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased had committed suicide while in a depressed state of mind. CRICKET COMPETITIONS. The draw for the remaining two matches in the first round of the senior cricket competitions 5s as follows : Ashburton A v. Tinwald tat Tinwald), Ashburton B v. Fairfield (at Ashburton). Ashburton B v. Tinwald fat Tinwald), Ashburton A v. Fairfield (at Ashburton). DRUIDS’ DANCE. The Druids held the final dance of their season in the Tancred Street Hall on Saturday night. The attendance was very large and a pleasant time was spent by all, dancing to music by Mr R. Dabourn. PERSONAL. Mr D. Jones, M.P„ spent the weekend at Ashburton. He was present at the children's carnival on Saturday, and will attend the Gala Day sports to-day. Mr R. C. V. King, formerly stationed at Hokitika, arrived in Ashburton on Saturday, and commences his duties at the Railway Station booking office this morning. Mr 11. T. J. Curran, telegraphist at Ashburton, has received notice of his transfer to Grevmouth. He will be succeeded by Mr J. C. Howart, of Hokitika. Major B. Hildreth (Wellington) conducted the services at the Salvation Army Barracks yesterday. Major Hildreth, who is the father of Adjutant Hildreth (officer in charge of the local corps) was in charge at Ashburton in 189 U. ALLENTON SPORTS CLUB. For the opening of the Allenton Sports Club on Saturday there was a large gathering of members and visitors, including Mr D. Jones, M.P. The gathering stood in silence for a time as a mark of respect to Mr D. A. Morgan, the first president, who had just lost his son. Mr Jones congratulated the club on its continued progress, particularly in regard to the manner in which it had raised finance to improve the grounds. The Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith) wished the club success during the coming season. Mr L. C. Dunn, president of the Ashburton Bowling Club, spoke of the good feeling which had always existed between the two clubs. Mr E. C. Bathurst, the president, declared the season open. Mrs J. Stevenson threw down the kitty, and Mrs Bathurst bowled the first bowl. Mrs S. Walker served the first tennis ball, and Miss E. Hardwick played the first croquet ball. Friendly games of tennis were played, and croquet competitions, for prizes presented by Miss Hardwick, were won as follows:—Golf croquet: Mrs L. L. Dunn 1, Mrs L. Walker 2. Break competition: Mrs Hockings 1.