INQUEST CONCLUDED

Chronicle (Levin), 14 August 1947, Page 2

INQUEST CONCLUDED

DEATH OF MR. R. A. C. MORTON The adjourned inquest into the sudden death of Rito Alfred Clement Morton was held at the Courthouse, Otaki, yesterday, before the District Coronet, Mr. H. Nicolsorj, J.P. Constable W. A. Calwell represented the Police Department. Evidence of identification was recently given hy William H. Ward, who stated that deceased was his wife's brother and was well-known to him. He last saw him on Good Friday, when he appeared in good health. He was a returned soldier from the two world wars, and for about four years was a prisoner in

World War II. Dr. Neate gave evidence as to being called to the Telegraph Hotel at 7.45 a.m. pn,July 27, where Morton had died. In his opinion death had occurred about eight hours prior to his visit. There were no signs of exterral injuries. Jean Myrtle Cooper stated that she knew the deceased, and had seen him on the evening of July 26. He had stated that he had been working in the erection of a transmission line and was very tired. During the evening he had comnlained of pains In his chest, which he thought was indigestion. He had several spasms of severe 1 pains during the evening. Iwi Hohipuha stated that she was a housemaid-waitress at the Telegraph Hotel ard' knew the deceased. Deceased was late for his evfening meal, stating that he had been working late. He asked to be called in tlie morning. On the morning of July 27 she went to his room and fourd him on the floor near his bed. This was about 7.30 a.m. when she took him a cup of tea. When she realised he was dead she told the staff, and the police and a doctor were sent for. When she saw the deceased on Saturday night he appeared in his usual health. Constable Calwell stated that he knew the deceased, who 'was an engineer working on the drag-line at the Otaki River. In response to a telephone call he went to the Telegraph Hotel and found Morton dead rear his bed. A post mortem examination had been ordered. A post mortem examination was made by Dr. George Potter Adams, who detailed his flndings. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony that death was due to heart failure.