SUDDEN DEATH

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1929, Page 2

SUDDEN DEATH

GREY GASWORKS EMPLOYEE. GREYMOUTH, December 16. The death took place suddenly this morning at his residence in Albeit Street of Mr William Saunders Ellis, gas-meter mechanic on the Municipa Gasworks staff. The late Mr Ellis, who was aged 50 years, served his time as a meter-maker in Edinburgh before coming to New Zealand. Aftei being in the employ of the Christchyrch Gas Company for some years, he. was engaged by Dir Kennedy, manager of the Greymouth Gasworks. He ,had been on the Greymouth staff since July 1920. He leaves a widow and-a family of six: two sons, Jack and Douglas are at home, Robert in is the Railway Department at Westport, and there are three young children. One married daughter died some time ago. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon. INQUEST ADJOURNED. r A coronial inquiry concerning the death was opened before Mr W. Meldrum S.M., this afternoon. , Annie Ellis, widow of deceased, said that her late husband had been suffering from kidney trouble, but yesterday lie took all his meals and did not complain of illness during the day. The family retired at about 10 p.m.. During the night witness heard deceased walking about and taking some medicine. He slept in a room by himself at the rear of the house. At about 6.45 o’clock this morning witness found deceased sitting on his bed, fully clothed and leaning against the wall. Although he had been suffering from kidney trouble for more than a year he had not been to a doctor. He also had short heart spasms wh«n in drink.

Robert Fainter, chemist, said that he had supplied the bottle of medicine. It did not contain any ingredient that might be in any way dangerous. The mixture was prescribed as a stomach and general tonic.

Sergeant Smythe stated that the doctor would not certify to the cause of death.

It was then decided that a post mortem would be necessary, and the inquest was adjourned until 10.30 a.m. on Saturday.