FOUND DEAD

Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3181, 24 May 1932, Page 5

FOUND DEAD

EDWIN B. SMITH, OP HAIRINI

A well-known resident of the district, Edwin ("Ted") Bywater Smith, of Hairini, was found dead in a clump of gorse on the farm of his brothers at Hairini, on Sunday morning last. Indications pointed to self destruction. The police were at once notified. Deceased, who was nearly 52 years of age, was an old resident of the district and worked as a labourer and drainlayer in Te Awamutu and neighbourhood. He was a first-class worker, and was of a verv quiet disposition. He lived with the other members of the family on the farm at Hairini. THE INQUEST.

An inquest was opened on Monday morning by the Coroner, Mr G. A. Empson. William Smith, farmer, of Hairini, identified the body as that of his brother. Witness last saw deceased last Thursday at about 4.30 p.m. He was not in his normal state of health, his nerves seeming to be unsettled. He had had a sleeping draught from the doctor and had been receiving treatment at times during the past twelve month!?. His brother was not a teetotaller, and at times drank to excess. Deceased was not at home since Friday morning, and on Saturday morning witness inquired from friends and acquaintances, but nobody had seen him. On Sunday morning inquiry was made of his medical man, who said he had not seen deceased. The last seen of deceased by members of the family was when he was going towards the farm gate on Friday morning.' Late on Sunday morning the body was found in a clump of gorse some distance from the house by witness and his brothers George and Arthur. The distance from the house would perhaps be 20 chains. Deceased had had very little drink in the past three weeks. Witness had never heard deceased express intention of ending his life. Deceased was not married and was not in any financial difficulties. Witness knew of no reason for suicide. Deceased's absence from home did not cause any concern, for he was often absent for a day or two. The evidence of George Smith was generally corroborative,, and he added that the family thought, perhaps, deceased was at a quarry at Puahue. When they found he was not there, and that nobody seemed to have seen him in Te Awamutu, the three brothers searched for him on the farm. They eventually found the body in the cutting among some gorse. Witness was satisfied deceased had taken his own life. He appeared to have been dead for some time.

Constable J. Forsyth described how he was called to the farm on Sunday afternoon, and the nature of the injuries. He identified the body. Apparently Smith had been dead two days.' Had known him for three or four years, as an inoffensive eventempered man, a hard worker, and one who drank to excess at times.

Dr K. N. Hiskens said he received a telephone message early on Sunday afternoon from Smith Bros' home, and as a result he hurried out to find that Edwin Smith had ended his life. He gave details of the condition of the body and the injuries inflicted. He was quite satisfied the wounds were self-inflicted. Death appeared to have taken place from 36 to 48 hours previously. Deceased had been under medical-treatment at times for severe insomnia, which, if untreated, would, in Smith's case, lead to acute alcohoMsm. Witness, knowing deceased's mentality, and habits, was not very surprised that he ended his life. . The Coroner recorded a verdict of suicide, adding that there was no blame attachable to anybody. It was regrettable that a man of such splendid physique and inoffensive disposition should deliberately end his life.