Forgot the Gas!

Grey River Argus, 2 March 1927, Page 5

Forgot the Gas!

MAN SUFFOCATED. ANOTHER’S NARROW ESCAPE. _ TIMARU, March 1. In a little square shack, in Raymond Street, bearing the name “Tnu Moana, ” and set on a section overgrown with long grass and thistles, the dead body of a man named Richard Patrick Hoare, was this morning at 10.30 discovered by the Tiinaru police and David Harvey (owner of the shack) was found in an unconscious state. He was taken to the Hospital. Investiga lions by the police disclosed that Hoare had been dead for some time. Harvey was still alive, when entry to the shack was gained, but his condition was xiry

Two windows of the shack facing Ray moud Street were closed., ami the door located at the back, was also closed. When this was opened, it was found that the room was full of gas and the place was thrown open as quickly as possible. The interior of the shack was in a most neglected condition. Hoare was found in a crouching position on a bunk with a blanket pulled over his head. Harvey was found on the floor, also with blankets over him. Both Had undresed, evidently with the intention of retiring. There was a small gas cook er in the shack, and this was found turned on. There was no evidence that the men had quarrelled or that a strug gle had taken place, but it is clear that both had been drinking heavily for some days. During the latter end oi last week they arrived home in a very drum ken state, and one of them had to be assisted insMe by a neighbour. Insid? the shaek however, there was no sign of liquor. It. is surmised that the pair had a meal and had forgotten to turn off the gas at the stove and were even tually overcome.