MAN SUFFOCATED

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 2, 4 January 1932, Page 6

MAN SUFFOCATED

SON'S TRAGIC DISCOVERY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

DAEGAVILLE, This Day. The death, has taken place in somewhat tragic circumstances of Alex Barlass, a well-known Dargaville business man. His wife and eldest son left for Hamilton last night, and another eon went to the West Coast beach, the father remaining in the house alone. One son returned to town this morning between 7 and 8 o'clock. He received no response to his knock, and when he entered the living apartments above the shop he found his father dead in bed. To all appearances the deceased had been reading in bed by gaslight, and on turning the gas off evidently knocked the rubber tube from the main supply. Tho window and door being closed lie was suffocated.

Mr. Barlass was between 50 and 60 years of age. He was a prominent Freemason and Oddfellow, and a member of tho Scottish Society and other institutions. He was also an ex-borough, councillor, and at the time of his death was chairman of the Library Committee. Ho was also well known in social circles. Ho had been in Dargaville in business as a plumber and ironmonger for ten years. He was formerly in. Auckland, and just prior to coming to Dargaville was engaged in fruit farming in the Kumcu-Huapai district. He is survived by a wife and two sons.

An inquest .was opened and adjourned.