INQUEST ON A. F. LOWE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1929, Page 3

INQUEST ON A. F. LOWE

HEART AFFECTION THE CAUSE. By Telegraph-r-press Association). TAIHAPE, Dec. 4. The adjourned inquest as to the death of Alexander Frances Lmve. 0.M.G., of Wellington, was concluded at Taihape to-day. Commander Grant Dalton, in a written statement, said that he was in the same sleeping compartment on the express. He said: “I occupied the top berth, and about eleven o’clock Lowe came in. He said: "I am glad to see that you are in the top berth, as I thought that I had it, and I feel too old to climb up to the top.” He seemed quite well, and he began to undress. Alter taking off his coat and waistcoat, he had some difficulty in unfastening his collar. He then lay down to read for a few minutes and witness then enquired if he was reading, or was he ready for sleep. He replied: “I am, ready for sleep! Put out the lights when you like.” Witness continued : I put the Tights but. About five minutes later, T heard someone speaking, and I saw Lowe standing by the door talking to the attendant. Lowe said: “Wilt you go and ask mv wife to come to me. She is in an adjoining carriage. lAm feeling queer. I had had a haemorrhage or something.” Lowe then lay down. Mrs Lowe arrived in about three minutes. Tn mv opinion Lowe was then dead. Dr McPiarmid testified that the deceased was suffering from degeneration of the heart, alternated with attacks of angine pectoris. T'-e verdict was one of death from natural causes.