SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1740, 3 May 1913, Page 6

SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

MEN DRINK THEMSELVES TO DEATH.

(By Telctrraph.—Special Correspondent.)

Wanganui, May 2. A shocking tragedy is reported from Taumarunui, two deaths occurring as tlio result of a drinking bout. Iho iniormation to hand is rather meagre, but it appears a number'of men had secured soveral gallons of whisky from the W;ai« kato, and gave themselves up to a niglit of drinking. Two of tho mea-Gautiey and Gillies—had both to be assisted liomo to bed, and 011 Thursday morning tho former was found dead, whilst his companion, Gillies, was in such a serious condition that medical aid had to be .summoned. Dr. M'Knight arrived about &oon, but in tho meantime death had intervened. • It is said that two or three others were suffering from alcoholism, but to a much lesser extent. ... ... The police secured tho whisky with tlio object of having it analysed. The affair has naturally caused a sensa-tion-in tho district. ;At the inquest the medical evidence was to' the effect that deceased had met their death-through respiratory and circulatonr paralysis, this being due to alcoholic poisoning. Tho doctor would not give a certificate until tho contests ot tho stomach! were analysed. It appeared that tho liquor was brought from Frcinkton to Punga Punga, -near Manunui, where tho men worker as bushmen. Witnesses deposed that somo dozen men drank tho contents neat m m Thc inquest was adjourned until tho analysis had been obtained.