DISCUALIFIED RUGBY PLAYERS

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1757, 23 May 1913, Page 6

DISCUALIFIED RUGBY PLAYERS

I nvercargill, May 22. Tho Southland Rugby Union to-night received a petition asking for the reinstatement of several players tb wcro disqualified some, years ago for playing tho Northern Union game. The union was favourably disposed towards the application, but members phi ted that tho New Zealand Union was under a misconception as to the position of the Southland men, and had taken no action. 'It was also stated that the Hawke's Bay Union had permitted ex-Northern Union men to plav, and that its eetiou had not been challenged by the New Zealand Union. The adoption of a similar attitude in Southland was urged, but it was decided to set up n sub-committee io consider tlio matter and collect information -with a view of submitting renrejenbtions to tllO next meeting of the New Zealand Union.

FREDK. ARMSTRONG'S DEATH,

THE CORONER'S INQUEST.

The Citv Coroner (Dr. A. M'Arthul', S.M.) held "an inquest yesterday regarding tho deatli of Frederick Lionel Armstrong, who was found dead in a bedroom in tho Pier Hotel cn Wednesday morning last. Horace Fitahcrbcrt, commercial traveller, residing at 118 Giwznoo Street, stated that ho know the deceased. Witness 'and deceased arrived in the Ruahine at "Wclliiig'on, on September 110, 1912. Deceased wis a commercial traveller, but, for the last three months, was manager of tho Commercial Hotel at Pahiatua. Witness had received several letters from flio deceased and they were all "cheerful." Deceased would be about 45 years of age. Witness then produced a letter from deceased, which read:—"Dear Paddy and Fitz,—Good-bye. I had to do it. Take all my things in your charge and send Home"to Mrs. Armstrong, G Lupus Street, I'imlico (S.W.). Go through my boxes, and only send her tilings of use or mementos. Smart has something of mine in pawn, and get them for me. Cablo also if you will. They want to do mo down hero, but tlioy can't. They can jump on my grave first.—Yours sincerely. Good-bye, old man, F. S. Armstrong."

Patrick Griffin, licensee of tho Pier Hotel, said that when ho last saw tho deceased alivo (tho day before) ho did not give witness tho impression that ho was going to take his life. Witness then related tho circumstances with respect to tho finding of (lie body in tho bedroom. Evidence was given by Sergeant Lowin, who slated that ho found tho sum of .fW in deceased's e,lollies.

A verdict was returned to tho effect that the deceased committed suicide by cutting liis throat while in a despondent stato of mind. Tho Coroner remarked that he could not say that deceased was insane.