Brookfield Inquest

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1921, Page 1

Brookfield Inquest

INQUEST PROCEEDINGS

UY TELEORAPII —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

HAMILTON* May 23

At the Smallfield inquest, Colin Daibeth said he was present when the body was recovered. No disinfectant was used. Smallfield was of a cheerful disposition, and his face was placid and peaceful. Harry Oractnell, public accountant said he looked after Smn.ilfield’s business affairs. Deceased took the life policies from the safe on tne morning of his death. Deceased was never depressed and his nett profit to the end of September was £I,BOO.

Deceased was an optimistic mm ana of an energetic mind and was not th. 1 type of man that would he depress’d over business or commit suicide. At the time of death deceased was in credit at flic bank to the extent cf £1,459. Against this were unrepresented ehequ s for £I4OO. Witness presumed d'censta took tire policies from the bank with the. intention to raise money on ‘•'hem.

INQUEST CONTINUED

HAMILTON, This Day

The Inquest relative to tile death of Smallfield was continued yesterday. , Harry Cracknell, an accountant, further deposed that ho had in his possession a letter written by Smallfield to his wife on the day of bis death. It was couched in affectionate terms. The letter was produced and handed it. A request by Counsel that it not be read publicly was acceded to by the Coroner. There was no date on the letter, but the postmark was January •26th., the date of deceased’s death. Witness said he was informed by Smallfield that he was called up for military service in the ballot, hut was rejected as medically unfit. Witness was rung by by Smallfield on the day of his death between a quarter and half past two. Deceased asked what was in the mail and asked witness to pay three cheques. He also mentioned that he was going to Ngaruawahia. Witness had seen deceased every day except Sundays during the last month of his life. During that period deceased had not been ill. Deceased had not been pressed bv creditors. There had never been any summons for debt or threat to sue him.

Counsel examined witness at groat length in the endeavour to prove deceased was insolvent. At the time of his death deceased had five motor cars, and one motor hievele all used in his business. It was the usual custom to charge up insurance premium to insurance account, and insurance policy ns an asset. The sum of £648 had been paid in premiums to date. The yearly premium of the National life office policy was £312, and Government Life £lO2.

In reply to Air Ostlci\ witness said at the time of Smallfield’s death, the financial stringency was not bad, and deceased could have carried on and met the stringency.

To the Coroner—Witness said he could not say what reason Smallfield had for insuring himself for £15,000 unless ns an investment. Witness was certain if tilings were normal deceased could have kept up the payment of the premiums.

C. li. Pillion, insurance representative for the A.M.P. Society, said he told the deceased that insurance would be paid if he committed suicide, provided lie paid the policy up for thirteen months. Deceased said “Acs, that is pretty good.” Witness said—“lt is worth another five thousand.” Deceased said “Yes, I will consider it at the end of January.” Deceased had offered to bet a man £IOO that he would not get paid, hut the hot was not taken up. Deceased never mentioned that lie contemplated suicide. The police deposed they had made inquiries, hut could not find evidence that deceased purchased carbolic acid locally They had not made inquiries at Auckland.

The Coroner gave instructions to the police to make inquiries throughout the province, and adjourned the inquest for a week.