Death Unconnected With Subversion

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31111, 14 July 1966, Page 3

Death Unconnected With Subversion

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 13. The death of the editor of the Auckland University student newspaper, “Craccum” had absolutely no connexion with alleged subversive activities at the university, the Auckland coroner (Mr A. D. Copeland) said today.

At an inquest into the death of John David Fleming, aged 20, a student, Mr Copeland said: “An inference was made in the ‘N.Z. Truth’ that his death was connected with alleged subversive activities at Auckland University. “I feel it is only fair to state that there is absolutely no connexion.”

Mr Copeland found that Fleming died at Epsom, on June 21, death being from suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. Sergeant A. L. Leslie, of the Newmarket police, said in evidence that Fleming’s body was found near a car at Mountain road, Epsom, at 4.30 p.m. on Jure 21. A hose from the car’s exhaust pipe led through the car window. Unsuccessful attempts were made to revive Fleming. Two Letters Sergeant Leslie said that two letters were found inside the car. Evidence showed that the deceased had broken off an association with a girl and was somewhat depressed. There were no suspicious circumstances.

Mr M. Ure, representing the dead student’s family, asked that the question of any association between the deceased and the alleged subversive activities be cleared up. Mr Copeland said it was in the public interest that some of the evidence be published.