DEATH OF SYDENHAM CARRIER.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20094, 25 November 1930, Page 7

DEATH OF SYDENHAM CARRIER.

ENQUIRY BY CORONER. An enquiry into the death of George Howe, a carrier, who was found dead at his residence, 17 Angus street, Sydenham, yesterday morning, was held at the Christchurch Hospital last evening, beforo Mr E. D. Mosley, B.M. The body was identified by a brother, Thomas Howe, a stonemason, residing at 125, Burke street, Sydenham. He stated that Howe was between 55 and 56 years of age. He last saw him about two months ago. His brother was ft single man, and lived by himEelf. Frederick Headley Parkin, who resided next to George Howe, stated that he saw him at about 6.10 a.m. at his residence. He complained of pains in the chest and round his heart. He had been complaining about these for the past two or three days, but on the morning of his death had appeared determined to go to his work. Witness had never seen Howe drunk. James Mclntyre Kussell, a carpenter, of 255 Colombo street, whose property adjoins Howe's residence, stated that at about 10 a.m. yesterday he saw Howe's horse still in the stable. Knowing that Howe was usually at work at that time, he went over to see if the carrier was ill. He opened the door on getting no reply, and fouiid Howe lying on the floor in the kitchen, behind the door, with a gas-tube close to his head. Witness could smell gas. Howe had an overcoat wrapped round his body. Witness applied artificial respiration for three-quarters of an hour before calling the police. Sergeant David Hyland, stationed at Sydenham, gave details of the finding of the body. He stated that there was a strong smell of gas in the room, and that the meter was empty. The gas tap had been turned off by Mr Russell. The Coroner returned a verdict that Howe committed suicide by gas poison' ing, while in a precarious state of health.