ASHBURTON.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18220, 3 November 1924, Page 4

ASHBURTON.

INQUEST. An inquest into the death of :i YV.itorton farmer. Mr elms. Dawson, who died last week w;is held ;it the Ashlmrion County Hospital before the District Coroner, Mr J. Cow, on Saturday morning- ]>ooeased \ n . juries as the result <.!' falling front hi,-; horse, 'when :: (Tri-t r4 by a "i,ji]v turn. Mr 11. ('. Orbell represented the Standard Insurance. Co.. with whom doceased had an accident insurance ju.li.-v. Ihe superintendent of the County Hospil.il, Dr. 11. s. Biileliff. stated tliat deceased was admitted to the hospital on Octol.or L'3rd. in an uneonscious condition. An operation was performed that night. Witness found an extensive fracture of the hack and base of the skull. 'Che patient did not rally, and died at f>.■}•""> on the following morning. To Mr Orhell witness said that lie found no other cause except the :n-<-i'lciit that ivould have promoted death.

Dr AY*. J. Mullin. who ha.i attended deceased at YValertou after the accident, stated that he had a large bruise on the back-of the head and numerous abrasions on the head ami face, ami bled freely from the right ear. Morphia, was administered and it was decided 1o leave hiru whore lie was for the night. Next morning, he found him to be unconscious, and witness then ordered his removal to the hospital. I'puu consulting with Dr Billcliff if was agreed Ihat. an operation should be held, unless the, symptoms grew worse.

To Mr Orbcll: Tlio relatives had *«>!■-! liim that deceased had paid thai he foil cli/.zy and fell off his horse. "Witness had not questioned deceased about the accident, lint had enquired his symptoms. David James Maw. labourer, employed mi (he deceased's farm, gave: evidence as to how lie first, saw deceased, leading his horse and staggering, about 10(1 yards from the gate, and on going to his aid was told that he (deceased) became giddy and fell off the horse.

To the Coroner: There was a slight mark on the ]eft boot which seemed to indicate that deceased had been dragged by the horse, and on going out next morning he had discovered the spot on the grass -where deceased had fallen, and according to the marks, lie had apparently been dragged along a track for about six or seven yards".

Charlotte Dawson, wife of deceased, also gave evidence. Jn returning a. verdict of accidental deatli, the Coroner expressed sympathv -with the relatives of deceased, and said that he was sure that Mr Mr Dawsou's death was regretted by the whole of the people of the district. General. Dr. Fisher, of Ashburton, ha s gone to C'hristchureh to undergo an operation. During his absence his practice will be carried on by Dr. Hunter. On account of the wet weather, all outdoor sport was postponed in Ashburton on Saturday afternoon. Schools Cricket. In the schools' cricket competitions Allenton defeated Tinwald last 'Wednesday. The scores were: Allenton 50, 54, Tinwald 24, 28, while the best scores were put up for Allenton bv rarkes 11, Crvsell 10, Argyle 10, Field 10, and for Tinwald, Gudscll 12 and 8. Gudsell also proved the best bowler. Scottish Hallow'een. The Hallow'een celebration under the auspices of the Scottish Society, which was held in the Orange Hall on Friday evening, proved a thorough success. Great credit is due to the organisers for the speudid programme that was arranged. Among the iteni3 given were the Highland Fling, hornpipe, sword dance, recitations, and songs. Dancing also formed a, part of the programme, for which Mrs A. Mitchell supi>lied the music, while Mrs 11. J. Chapman played the accompaniments. Band. Concert. Under the baton of Lieut. W. JI. Osborne the First Canterbury Mounted Rifle Band held a very successful eoncert in the Theatre Royal last evening, when the following programme was played: March, "Australasian"; Grand selection, "Roberto Diavolo"; song selected, Mrs H. Xaylor; waltz, "Flowers of Australia," the Band; trombone trio, "Comrades in Arms," Bandsmen Boothroyd, Frew and Carter; hymn, "Bradford"; song, selected, Mr K. Norrisli; march, "Through Bolts and Bars."