CORONER’S INQUEST
An inquest was held at the Police Station, Hokitika, yesterday afternoon in respect to the death of William Christopher Shaffrey found dead yesteri®iy forenoon. Air D. J. Evans, District Coroner presided. Evidence was given by Airs E. .T. Pfahlert (sister), Charles T. Pfahlert (nephew) and Constable'"Drummond of Knnieri.
Sergt .King conducted the ease and the evidence disclosed that deceased had l«?eu out of employment for a considerable period, residing with his sister at Kanieri. He paid for his board out of his savings. He had a bad fall when 16 years old and another last Good Friday. He suffered from the effects of these bad falls. On Thursday at mid-day, he had his dinner in bed, not being well. He was not seen alive again. In the afternoon his tea "as taken to his room and left there, it being anticipated lie would return in due course from his walk. He was hi tlic* lmhit of going out for walks by himself and returning later on. lie was very reserved, and at times eccentric, and was not considered absolutely normal.
Yesterday forenoon Airs Pfahlert took in his breakfast, and found the tea of the previous evening hud not been touched nor the bed slept in. On looking round the room the body was found hanging behind the door. Her husband was informed and the son out tho body down promptly. The hedv was hanging to a peg on the wall, suspended by a piece of underpants, a portion of which was tight round the neck, leaving a deep mark, and causing strangulation. AA'hen cut down the body was cold and rigid, and it was surmised tho deed had been done the previous night, probably twelve hours or more earlier. The police were summoned, and a full investigation made by tho officer. The Coroner’s verdict was to the effect that deceased was found hanging
at. the residence, Kanieri, the dec.] having been committed, apparently, on the evening of the 3rd. inst. while in a state of unsound mind, his general demeanour being broody and of a reserved nature.
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Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1927, Page 2
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349CORONER’S INQUEST Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1927, Page 2
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