DEATH OF SERGT. SANDISON

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 34, 4 November 1918, Page 8

DEATH OF SERGT. SANDISON

VERDICT AT THE INQTJEST. ' An inquest was held on Saturday mornng by Mr. W. G. Eiddell, S.M., into .the ircumstances surrounding Ihe death of Sergeant James Sandison, a member of he guard on Some 3 Island, who was ound early on Friday, morning near the [uardroom lying on his back with a ser•ice revolver in his hand i.nd a bullet vdund in his head. It 'was; stated in ividence that the deceased had been servng at the island for about twelve months, tlajor Matheson, Commandant at the isand, stated that the deceased held the ting's and Queen's medals for the South Ifriean War, and had left New Zealand n respect of the present war with the Ninth Reinforcements and had returnid from* England as.being ever age. So ■n'r as witness knew;' Sandison \va9 a man if steady habits, and his general health vas good, except, for nervousness or over:onsciousness in personal matters. Deleased had never given any indication that he intended taking his '.ife, and so far as witness knew he had r.o financial worries. About fourmonths ago deceased asked for leave of absence without pay as the position of senior sergeant which he held was too'big a responsibility for him. At this timo deceased seemed to be worried, and was panted leave with pay. Witness said that when he was informed that Sandison was'iiead he went to 6ce the body. Deceased had left a note" stating: that Mr. James Moore, seaman's, missinner, was his next-of-kin, also stating: "Kind regards to .the Mayor for all he has done for me." Deceased had 'been in suspense for a month prior to November 1, but the matter had been investigated and cleared up on the day before he wae found dead. On October 31 witness had told deceased that he had absolute confidence in him. iWhen de. ceased asked for leave of absence witness had discussed the matter with the medical officer, and they had come to the conclusion jthiit he was •' worrying over trifles. Deceased was servant of- the guard, and witness had found his books to be in perfect order ur> to about half an hour 'before the shot was heard. Lancc-Corporal James Brown, also a member of the guard, stated (hat Saudison appeared to worry at times. Witness and Sandison occupied the same room. On November 1 deceased woke up at 1.15 a.m. to go on duty at 1.30. Deceased was dressed and spoke in lis ordinary voice. He just woke witness up, and, in reply to a question told him the time. Witness went, on to describe lis hearing of a shot and finding the deceased lying in the field' just off No. 1 sentry bent, about 100 yards from the guardroom. The bullet wound was in the forehead. ■ , Constable O'Connor gave' formal evidence as to taking charge if the body, nn which there were no marks other than the bullet wound in the forehead. . The Coroner, in giving his verdict, said there was some evidence of temporary periods of mental depression. He was of opinion that in one of these periods the deceased had taken his t wn life.