LATE MR. E. FEIST.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14260, 17 November 1920, Page 6

LATE MR. E. FEIST.

THE CORONER’S INQUEST. An inquest on the body of tlie late Mr E. Feist was held yesterday afternoon by Mr E. G. Eton, District Coioner. Miss Lois McGregor, of Mastcrton, stated that she was a niece of deceased, who had been a widower for a uumboi of rears. Of late he had had but indifferent health, and had been much depressed. For the last few weeks he had been more than usually depressed. He had recently spoken to witness about his business affairs, and had shown her his will. Deceased had also complained that he had been unable to sleep. On November sth he had gone for a holiday to Napier to try and improve his health, acting on the advice of his medical adviser. Ihe late Mr Feist had only returned on Monday. The news of his death was a great surprise and shock to witness. Evidence was given by Dr. J. A. Cowie, who had attended the deceased. He stated that he was called at about 7 o ’clock on Tuesday morning to the home of deceased. In company with (sergeant Miller the witness found the body of deceased hanging by the neck through an opening in the loft of an outhouse. The body was still warm. The cause of death was due to strangulation. Witness had known the deceased for many years, and had attended liim at various times. Witness prescribed for him a fortnight ago, as he complained of insomnia. Tlie doctor advised him to have a change, and the deceased went to Napier. Witness also prescribed for Mr Feist upon liis return, but saw nothing that might have led him to believe that lie intended taking his life. On account of deceased having suffered from insomnia and nervous depression his mind probably became unhinged. ' Deceased’s housekeeper, Mrs Mary Ann Harvey, said the late Mr Feist had been very much depressed during the past month or so, and especially during the last few weeks. A fortnight ago he had a nasty choking attack, and witness sent for the doctor. Deceased later went to Napier for a changes. On his return on Monday he was still unwell, and again witness sent, for the doctor. Mr Feist said he had not slept well at Napier. Witness attended him on Monday night, anil last saw him at 11.40 o’Clock. He remarked then that lie was afraid he would not sleep. Witness was up at 6 o’clock next morning. The back door and the gate were both found to be open. Witness noticed Mr Feist’s coat and waistcoat hanging in the stable, but did not see deceased, so she went to a neighbour, Mr Oagg, and also rang up Dr. Cowie to see if be happened to be at liis place. Witness related how the body was found later, hanging in the stable. • 1 John Thomas Dagg, a neighbour, who had known the late Mr Feist for the past forty years, gave formal evidenceas to the finding of the body. He also stated that deceased had been much depressed. Witness could not account for his action. . . .Evidence on similar lines was given by Sergeant Miller. The coroner’s verdict was to the effect that deceased died from strangulation by means of a rope attached to g rafter,' the evidence showing that . he had been in a depressed frame of mind. Mr Eton made feeling reference to the public services of the late Mr Feist. He stated that he had served on public bodies with him, and paid a high tribute to liis worth. He said he had faithfully served the public, and his death would be regretted by the whole community, especially to tlie older residents of Masterton. To the friends and relatives of deceased, the coroner - extended his heartfelt sympathy. TRIBUTES AT COUNCIL MEETING. Speaking at the Borough Council meeting last evening, the Mayor said that tlie death of the late Mr Feist had cast a gloom, over the town. Nnowin" the late Mr Feist for the past 32 years, the larger portion of which I have been intimately associated with him in connection with my School Committee, the Board of Managers of the Technical School, the Trust Lands Trust, the Bowling Club, and other bodies I feel filled with grief to think that a life so well spent has ended so sadly ” said the Mayor. Mr Jackson went on to say that Mr JFoist’s life was an example of strict integrity and honesty of purpose. He moved that the Council adjourn till the following night as a mark of respect to the memory of deceased. , , ~ Cr. Atkinson seconded the resolution and referred to the personal qualities of deceased, who was a close friend of the speaker. “Mr Feist was my neighbour ±oi some years, and a more honourable, straightforward neighbour no one could possibly have,” remarked Cr. O’Leary. 1 ‘Mr Feist was one of Nature’s gentlemen.” Cr. O’Leary said that he felt the death of Mr Feist so keenly that lie could not properly express his feelings in words. Cr. Watson said that he had been associated very closely in business and church matters with Mr Feist. He had. always found Mr Feist a man of very high character and of the strictest integrity —a man whbso word at all tunes was his bond. In church matters. Mi Feist had performed faithful service. Cr. Perry also briefly referred to tlie late Mr Feist, who was respected. by all, and who,ms a citizen and a friend, was always ready to extend the nano of good fellowship. Tfie motion was carried, as was also another motion, proposed by the Mayor and seconded )by Cr. Watson, that a letter of condolence be sent to tec re.atives of deceased.