“ HASTENED HIS END TO RELIEVE SUFFERINGS.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19236, 25 November 1930, Page 14

“ HASTENED HIS END TO RELIEVE SUFFERINGS.”

While in a precarious state of health George Howe, a single man, fifty-six years of age, committed suicide at his residence, 17 Angus Street, Sydenham, yesterday morning, a verdict to that effect being found by the Coroner, Mr E. D. Mosley, at an inquest conducted last night. The body was identified by Thomas Howe as that of his brother. He gave evidence that George Howe was single, arid was a carrier by occupation. Frederick Headley "Parkin, a labourer, of 15 Angus Street, deposed that he had seen Howe at his residence at 6.10 o’clock yesterday morning. He complained of pains in his chest and round his heart. He had complained of similar pains during the past three days, but would not consult a doctor. James M’lntyre Russell, a carpenter, testified that his property was adjacent to that of Howe. At fen o’clock yesterday morning witness noticed that Howe’s horse was still in the stable. Knowing that it was unusual' for the horse to be there at that time, witness went to see if Howe was all right. He entered the house and found deceased b-ing in the kitchen. A gas tube was within a foot of his head. Witness turned off the gas tap and applied artificial respiration measures. Later he sent a message to the police. Sergeant Hyland gave evidence that when he arrived at the house at 10.40 o'clock there was a strong smell of gas. The meter was of the shilling in the' slot type, and was empty of gas. In giving his verdict, Mr Mosley said that there was no doubt that the man had been precariously ill, and had hastened his end to relieve his suffering.